G4S in trouble again
SHERIFF Philip Mann has ordained a representative of the security firm G4S to appear in Lerwick Sheriff Court next month after they failed deliver two prisoners to Shetland on time for the second time in two weeks.
On Thursday a week long trial of a Shetland haulage company was interrupted after G4S were late bringing two prisoners from the Scottish mainland by 10am when court proceedings begin.
An angry procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said he had been assured the security firm would find alternative arrangements following the last incident on 27 November.
“I still have not had an explanation for what happened two weeks ago or for what happened today,” he said.
“We all have to be here at 10am and it’s not appropriate that an agency seems to be taking a line that it’s inconvenient for them.”
Defence agent Tommy Allan added that the delays gave him little time to consult with his clients before they appeared in court.
“This impacts on the fairness for the accused,” he said.
Sheriff Mann said it was “unacceptable” and ordained a representative from G4S to appear before him on 9 January.
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