Time limits to be placed on police bail

It was announced this week that the UK had introduced a 28-day limit for how long a suspect can be kept on so-called police bail before being charged. That time can be extended to up to three months by a Superintendent or longer by a Magistrate.

A Jersey Home Affairs Department spokesman has now confirmed that the Island’s Criminal Procedure Law is being revised and bail legislation will be introduced here.

Although no details of what changes will be made have been confirmed, the JEP understands it will include time restrictions on how long an offender can be kept on pre-charge or police bail.

Deputy Jackie Hilton said: ‘The fact they were young offenders was always a particular concern. For anyone on police bail it should be limited as much as possible but there are circumstances where that is not possible.

‘Changes have got to be a good thing especially for young people. It cannot be good to have something hanging over your head for months and months.’

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