Solicitor: it's a disgrace 5 people were kept in custody as no interpreter showed up
There was no Polish interpreter available for a 5 handed case in custody on 22nd January 2013 at Hull Magistrates' Court. The client was remanded in custody overnight but still no interpreter arrived. After waiting until 2pm I was told to come back tomorrow, however, there was still no interpreter in the morning. I was again told to come back at 2pm. When the interpreter turned up, she said she had been rung at 11.50 today and had not been contacted yesterday.
It is disgraceful that 5 people were kept in custody without being told why, court staff were waiting. As lawyers we don't get paid for these hearings and when they are adjourned to next day, the same happens.
[Redacted from www.rpsi.name/default. Solicitor's name withheld by RPSI Linguist Lounge]