In a report into Operation Pathway, an anti-terror swoop on 11 men in north-west England, Lord Carlile said he had considered whether the admissibility of such evidence could have led to any of the men being charged.
Previously open to allowing intercept evidence, he said:
“I have yet to see material to justify the conclusion that the permitting of such evidence in terrorism cases would do more good than harm. I believe that this debate should now be drawn to a conclusion, against the introduction of intercept evidence in terrorism cases.”
Carlile also criticised Greater Manchester police as unwise for failing to take legal advice before arresting the suspects in Liverpool and Manchester on 8 April this year. After 13 days all the men had been released without charge after Crown Prosecution Service lawyers told police they had no evidence on which to hold them. Carlile said he was surprised the police did not realise they would have to give an evidential basis to extend the period of detention.
Filed under: Detention, Fair Trial, Surveillance, UK
