Police Federation says Suffolk officers 'let down' after assault cases dropped
The three officers say they were assaulted while on duty by a suspect who has 161 previous convictions
Last updated 16th Nov 2022
Three Suffolk Police officers have "sensationally been let down" by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as their assault case was thrown out, the Police Federation said.
The three officers were reportedly assaulted while on duty - by a suspect who has 161 previous convictions including assaults against police officers, the organisation said in a statement.
It added that the case was thrown out of court due to a shortage of available barristers and the judge refused to adjourn the case, instead directing not guilty verdicts to be recorded.
"We are disheartened to hear that three police officers have sensationally been let down by the Crown Prosecution Service," the Police Federation said.
"Whilst we understand the current backlog and pressures on the system are having an effect on criminal justice, this cannot be allowed to continue.
"Victims are being let down, losing hope and left feeling that their experience is irrelevant."
The organisation said the suspect has "effectively been let off with no punishment for his actions" and it comes as "just one example of where our police officers are being let down by the criminal justice system".
The Police Federation also said the decision has led to an "enormous waste of resources" due to the time it took to prepare the case file as well as the force being left short in their numbers as all three officers, plus two more as witnesses, had been warned to come to court.
"The domino impact of this decision is plain to see," the statement said.
"This is simply unacceptable."
The organisation called for the criminal justice system to be fixed "immediately" and asked for reassurance that cases involving police officers are not thrown out.
Darren Harris, chairman of Suffolk Police Federation, said: "Where is the deterrent when someone can be accused of this type of offence and then simply see the case dropped?
"Police officers put their lives on the line to serve and protect the public and the very least that they should expect in return is a criminal justice system that punishes those who fail to respect their unique position in society."
Meanwhile, the police officers, who were not named by the Police Federation, also expressed their disappointment at the decision.
One said: "We are here to protect victims and when we are victims ourselves doing our duty, the offender is allowed to walk away with no consequences."
Another added: "I am disappointed with the decision and frustrated we get assaulted in the line of duty and the court doesn't seem to care."
The third officer said: "I am angry. What is the point of recording a crime of assault if it won't go anywhere? All the work that goes into (the) case feels like it's not worth it."
The CPS and Ministry of Justice have been contacted for comment by the press association.