ALS failure in Bournemouth MC (14/02/12)
I interpreted in Bournemouth MC on the 14th of February, got there 9.30, noticed a few Polish guys sitting around next to me. The usher went in and explained to them that the court had requested an interpreter and they should just stick around. Before the lunch break both the solicitor and the Polish defendant seemed angry and lost. My case finished 2.30 and as I was leaving I saw the usher telling the defendant that they could not find an interpreter and that his case will be adjourned. She asked the defendant whether he will be able to understand the new date and time, he said yes and they both went to court. I went to the finance office and then back up to see the usher and speak to her about ALS. She and her colleague from listings complained that this is happening 'constantly' and even when they do send someone it is normally someone who is not very good.
They both said that they miss the old system already. I explained to them the complaint procedure and encouraged them to complain.
