A major failure by police saw Scottish officers release a fugitive who was wanted in North Wales.
An individual was due to appear at Llandudno Magistrates Court in January, but didn’t show. He was later apprehended by officers in Scotland, but despite communication with North Wales Police, the Welsh force did not arrange transportation, and as such, the individual was released.
Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, took up the case. In addition to securing an explanation as to what happened, she has been pleased to see a plan put in place to stop the police from releasing wanted fugitives again.
North Wales Police have informed Mrs Finch-Saunders that if there are believed to be delays in prisoner collection and transport nationally then these will be escalated to the Duty Silver Commander for senior officer oversight, direction and control.
Commenting on the new arrangements for prisoner collection and transportation nationally, Janet said:
“This case has highlighted that North Wales Police had no mutual process or agreement in place for the transport of persons arrested on warrant in Scotland into Wales.
“Out of this major failure has come a positive outcome as a new process is in place to try and stop such a situation ever occurring again.
“As North Wales Police have told me, they are confident measures are now in place to mitigate any future concerns. I share their confidence in the new measures and am delighted that my work on behalf of the residents of Aberconwy has secured a successful outcome”.
ENDS