Sir, It is rare but by no means unusual for a defendant facing a murder charge to be allowed bail (“Judge in murder case bail row", Jan 15).

Apart from the risk of absconding, the usual objections to bail of interfering with witnesses and committing further offences usually fall by the wayside in cases involving a close relative, as often the deceased is the only person to whom these particular criteria could apply.

The usual course taken when bail is granted is to ensure that the defendant will be around to stand his trial and generally involves a condition of residence, regular contact with the police and a substantial surety.

Judge John Bevan should not be criticised for allowing the police officer Garry Weddell bail as he would only do so if he had cogent arguments placed before him by the defendant’s legal representatives.

It is a matter for the CPS to counter such arguments and in this situation it would not appear to have done so. Indeed, in extremely rare situations the CPS may even agree to bail being allowed subject to suitable restrictions being imposed.

Ged Hale
Solicitor-Advocate
Doncaster, S Yorks

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