The importance of legal representation at the police station

When an allegation of abuse is made the police investigate the allegation and, providing that there is sufficient evidence, they then interview the individual under police caution, sometimes also under arrest.

Cases where individuals have had the benefit of legal advice and representation from a specialist abuse solicitor at the police station tend to be more easily defendable from both a civil and criminal perspective for a number of reasons:

• Limited disclosure at the police station will usually result in no comment advice which will preserve the defence position.
• If there is sufficient evidence to charge the individual, the criminal defence team are then provided with all the evidence from the outset which the prosecution seek to rely on as part of their case.
• his will form the basis of the civil case against both individual and care establishment and, therefore, assist the civil case.
• eoghs are able to have an overall dual strategy when dealing with the criminal and civil case from the outset which will result in a substantial saving on costs.
• e can recoup costs if the allegation is dropped, or if there is a not guilty finding.

Kate Hargan, an associate solicitor in our Abuse Team, trained and qualified at a criminal defence firm where she developed a specialism in historic sexual and physical abuse cases. She has represented a number of individuals and institutions ranging from carers and care homes, to teachers at special needs schools and religious organisations.

Kate has substantial experience representing individuals at the police station since 2001. She is a qualified duty solicitor at both the police station and at court and also a supervising solicitor for the police station accreditation process.