New measures to reduce bail limits and cell detention of vulnerable

By The Press Association27th May 2015News EnglandChild Abuse, News England, Queens Speech, Vulnerable Adults

Time limits on police bail and possible sanctions for professionals who fail to take action on child abuse are among measures in the Queen’s Speech.

Pre-charge bail for suspects will be restricted to 28 days with a senior police officer able to authorise an extension of up to three months.

In “exceptional circumstances” police will have to apply to courts to extend bail beyond three months.

The Government said the plans are designed to stop people remaining on bail for months or even years with no independent oversight of the police’s investigation.

Earlier this year broadcaster Paul Gambaccini backed a 28-day limit on the use of police bail.

He spent 12 months on bail before he was told he would not be charged over allegations of historic sex abuse.

He told the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee that he believed he was used as human “fly paper”, as his arrest was publicised by police in the hope that other people would come forward to make allegations against him.

The Government also set out plans to provide enhanced protections for children. Subject to consultation, this may involve introducing sanctions for professionals who fail to take action on child abuse where it is their professional responsibility to act.

Other elements of the Policing and Criminal Justice Bill are:

Reducing the use of police cells for those detained under the Mental Health Act.
Closing a legal loophole so that live-streaming of child sexual abuse online can lead to the same maximum sentence as recorded images – 14 years in prison.
Changes to the police complaints system to give a stronger role to police and crime commissioners and strengthen protections for police whistleblowers.