ALS Representative to Explain Non-Attendance to Crown Court Judge
22/03/12 Luton Crown Court
Luton - Language: Romanian
Interpreter: Booked through ALS
Case: S.J. - Court 4 at 2pm
I was observing with a couple of RPSI colleagues and reporters after this court hearing was published on Courtserve.net, stating "Member of ALS agency to attend and explain non attendance on last occasion."
Despite the Judge's request, no one turned up! ALS Interpreter attended at 14:30, an hour late, once you allow for a conference in custody cells. She was nervous and rushed out after the hearing.
The Judge decided to give ALS rep another opportunity to explain, even though they had clearly failed to attend, after being requested to do so by the Judge. This would be in a hearing yet to be fixed.
A typical breakdown in communication! As service users will be aware, one of many ALS website slogans is 'Service with a Smile'!
When the prosecutor complained about wasted time and the Interpreter being very late, I stood up to address the Judge, and said that things would get a lot worse, as now the CPS had also committed to ALS for provision of Interpreters.