Hundreds of criminal cases dropped in Sussex due to missing or lost evidence
Data out today shows 219 cases fell through between October 2022 and September 2024 - including 5 sexual offences
Hundreds of criminal cases have been dropped in Sussex due to missing or lost evidence, data out today has revealed.
Between October 2022 and September 2024, a total of 219 cases fell through - including 5 sexual offences.
The data makes up 1.39% of 15794 cases handled by Sussex Police during that time.
In a statement, the National Police Chiefs Council highlighted that a lack of evidence - recorded as 'E72' when police are at fault - didn't necessarily mean that it had been lost:
"Police and the CPS work together to ensure evidence is gathered and presented in a timely manner, bringing offenders to justice and ensuring victims are safeguarded.
"The E72 category refers to evidence that is either missing or unavailable when a defendant is going to trial following being charged.
"For example, police may not be able to find an expert witness to give evidence or it may be that a required medical statement cannot be obtained.
“When evidential issues occur in a case, the CPS will raise this with police for any action deemed necessary and we will work together to ensure these are resolved wherever possible.”
The force with the most cases falling through due missing evidence in the country was the Metropolitan Police, amounting to 4.69% of all prosecutions.
Meanwhile, Sussex Police rank thirteenth best in the country.
Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said:
"I recognise that this FOI is an operational matter but would like to stress that victims of crime, especially the 5 mentioned victims of sexual-related crimes, should be offered support through our extensive network of victims’ services, all of which are available on our Safe Space Sussex portal.”