Lord Janner must appear in court over 22 child sex allegations

Lord Janner has been ordered to appear in court in person for a hearing over child sex charges despite suffering from severe dementia.

The former Labour peer and MP did not attend Westminster Magistrates’ Court for an initial hearing today, with his lawyers saying he was too ill to come and may suffer a “catastrophic reaction” if produced.

But chief magistrate Howard Riddle ruled that Janner, who faces 22 charges spanning a period from the 1960s to the 1980s, did not have to understand or play a part in the initial hearing but was required by law to attend.

The court has adjourned to allow lawyers to determine when he might appear.

Mr Riddle heard evidence from two defence medical experts who said Janner was too ill to appear.

But he said that while there was “absolutely no doubt” Janner suffered from severe dementia the section 51 hearing “does require the defendant’s presence”.

He agreed with the prosecution’s argument that many defendants find court appearances distressing and that after their initial short appearance at magistrates courts means were found to accommodate them.

Mr Riddle said: “I have heard evidence from the two experts that in the context of today’s hearing there is likely to be distress and that is what has been described as ‘catastrophic distress’. But what it means as I understand it is that the defendant may well become intolerant of the process, irritable and may indeed leave.

“I further understand, and this is very significant, it is likely to have no long term effect on him.

“He must appear for a comparatively short period of time. He is free to go if he becomes distressed. This (hearing) will probably be achieved in less than a minute. Nevertheless the law requires his presence.”

A trial of the facts, where a jury hears the evidence against an individual considered too ill for a full trial, is expected to be held into the charges against the 87-year-old politician, who was suspended by Labour in April.

A judge will have to decide if Lord Janner is fit to plead. If he is not, a jury will be asked to decide whether he did the acts he is charged with.

The judge will also have to rule on whether the defendant should appear during the trial or can be excused on medical grounds.

The 87-year-old peer’s family strongly denies claims he used his power as an MP for Leicester to abuse vulnerable young boys at a local children’s home.

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