August EWJ 24 - Flipbook - Page 90
and sexual assault cases in Crown Courts, where
feasible. MEWA kept the expert witnesses informed
throughout these discussions, ensuring their agreement to participate in the proposed system.
similar issues. However, what sets our achievement
apart is the exceptional passion and determination of
Sasha Motley. Her relentless commitment to overcoming obstacles has been instrumental in turning our
collaborative efforts into tangible results, rather than
just empty promises.
In December 2023, the senior Judge in
Cambridgeshire verbally agreed to several key points:
While there is still much work to be done, Sasha and
I remain dedicated to advocating for these necessary
changes. We are prepared to engage with anyone in
the police or CPS who recognizes the need for a more
efficient and accommodating system for expert witnesses. Our journey demonstrates that with the right
collaboration and determination, meaningful progress
can be made in enhancing the justice system for all
involved.
- The presumption that cases involving medical
experts would be scheduled with fixed dates.
- Encouragement for the CPS to design batting orders
around expert availability as much as possible.
- The employment of a cloud video platform for
remote attendance, with appropriate caveats, including the defence’s discretion to call a witness in person
if necessary.
The formal written consent was delivered to
Cambridgeshire Police in May 2024, marking a
significant milestone in this collaborative effort.
In conclusion, the partnership between MEWA LLP
and Cambridgeshire Police stands as a testament to
the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing long-standing challenges within the justice system.
By embracing remote testimony and improving
scheduling practices, we have taken a significant step
forward in ensuring that expert witnesses can contribute effectively to criminal cases without undue burden. As we continue to share our framework and
experiences with other forces, we are optimistic about
the potential for widespread improvement and a
more efficient judicial process across the UK.
Working alongside Sasha, the Police in
Cambridgeshire and senior staff at MEWA, this project has been one of the most rewarding experiences
of my career. Together, we have developed a robust
framework that can be shared with other police forces
and courts across the country. I have reached out to
numerous forces to share our experience and encourage them to adopt similar practices, promoting
'Best Practice' nationwide.
Despite my initial optimism, I soon realized that
replicating this success across other police forces would
not be as straightforward as anticipated. The challenges highlighted by Sasha at the outset are not
unique to Cambridgeshire; many other forces face
Mr Nicholas Morris
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
MBBS
MEWI
MRCOG
FRCOG
With over 15 years’ experience of Medico-Legal work I am trained in report writing, giving evidence
in the Crown Court and the Coroner’s Court. I also lecture on these topics.
I undertake 100 cases annually, 10% Single Joint Expert, 70% Claimant, 20% Defendant.
I am an AVMA and MPS Panellist.
I am now in full time private practice, and run both a Clinical and Legal Practice.
I see patients for Medico-Legal Consultations in London, Birmingham and Manchester.
Contact: Zainab Orekan /Sonya York 0208 3711510
Email: rapidaccess@hotmail.co.uk - Web: www.rapidaccessgynaecology.co.uk
The Gynaecology Chambers, 15 Dollis Park, London, N3 1HJ
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AUGUST 2024
