Asked by: Baroness Mone (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Lord Keen of Elie on 28 January (HL12983 and HL12985), whether they intend to publish a report into the provision of legal aid in cases where the individual has absconded; if so, when; and if not, why not.
Answered by Lord Keen of Elie - Shadow Minister (Justice)
As we have previously confirmed, the Government is looking carefully at the provision of legal aid in cases where the individual has absconded.
The priority is to ensure the case can be concluded fairly and that victims, witnesses, and the public can see justice being done.
Asked by: Baroness Mone (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether people who are considered to be fugitives can receive legal aid.
Answered by Lord Keen of Elie - Shadow Minister (Justice)
The Court of Appeal can, in certain circumstances, grant permission to appeal to an individual who was convicted in their absence in the Crown Court. The Court also has the power to grant legal aid when required in the interests of justice.
The Government is looking carefully at the provision of legal aid in cases where the individual has absconded.
Asked by: Baroness Mone (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many applications for legal aid have been made by fugitives in each of the last 10 years; and in each case, what was the value of the legal aid received.
Answered by Lord Keen of Elie - Shadow Minister (Justice)
This information is not held centrally. Identifying the number of cases where the defendant is recorded as a fugitive would be disproportionately costly.
Asked by: Baroness Mone (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to review the provision of legal aid to those who have been convicted of a criminal offence in their absence and are seeking to appeal.
Answered by Lord Keen of Elie - Shadow Minister (Justice)
The Court of Appeal can, in certain circumstances, grant permission to appeal to an individual who was convicted in their absence in the Crown Court. The Court also has the power to grant legal aid when required in the interests of justice.
The Government is looking carefully at the provision of legal aid in cases where the individual has absconded.