No Hindi interpreter at Isleworth
At Isleworth. Serious case listed for Preliminary hearing (these hearings are largely formalities and on average last 10 minutes maximum).
Attended Court at 10.30 am for 11 am hearing to be told that the "Hindi interpreter who had been booked had taken an earlier booking which had overrun. The court was looking for another interpeter and would book an independent one if necessary".
An hour later - when I could not speak to my client save in the most basic terms - mostly about the delay in getting a Hindi speaker. He certainly understood that there wasn't one - the Court informs me that a new Hindi interpreter has been found and will attend at 1.3 pm for 2 pm.
I had in the meanwhile asked everyone I could think of at court if they were Hindi speakers in order to see if we could have the hearing dealt with promptly. No-one was able to assist. I mention this only because I was not confident that a Hindi speaking interpreter would be found at short notice.
