Judge quizzes police over burglary figures

A senior judge has raised serious questions over the handling of burglary cases by officers based at a Black Country police station.

Judge Michael Challinor's concerns were in reaction to the number of offences criminals admit and ask to be taken into consideration when being sentenced for other crime.

The judge refused to pass sentence on Ali Abdalla, who admitted two burglaries, until officers have explained the circumstances in which the defendant admitted a further 34 burglaries involving almost £50,000.

Mr Graham Russell, defending, alleged: "He was given certain information by the police that he would be treated with leniency and would not have any more time added onto his sentence if he was to admit to these other offences. "

Judge Challinor retorted: "That simply is not true. The police cannot promise that a defendant will be treated with leniency.

"If what has just been said it true, it would amount to a clear inducement and trespass into an area where the police have no right to go. Namely the sentence that is passed. I am very concerned about what has happened here. It may be that Mr Abdalla has been misled."

Officers involved in the case are adamant that no inducement was offered.

He said that the three cases had all been conducted by officers based at West Bromwich police station and involved letters being sent to the court that appeared to ask for leniency.

Judge Challinor ordered that police officers involved in the three cases make statements within 14 days.

West Midland Police spokeswoman Aneka Anderson said today "We note the comments made by the judge and are looking into the concerns he raises.

"West Midland Police has well established policies for dealing with offences to be taken into consideration. We will, as a matter of course, assess compliance with the policies in place."