Harman extends cot death review

[Guest guest]

I believe that a goodly number of these could be laid at the doctors doorstep,

but the system is set up to almost never blame the doctor for any deaths. In

fact the sytem is designed to shield him from any resposibility.

 

Why don't we hold the doctors accountable for most people's deaths when in

reality most have their lives shortened or ended by modern allopathic medical

treatment.

 

Frank

 

 

http://politics.guardian.co.uk/homeaffairs/story/0,11026,1127267,00.html

 

Harman extends cot death review

 

Matthew Tempest and Martin Nicholls

Tuesday January 20, 2004

 

Thousands of parents whose children were taken away from them by the social

services are to have their cases reopened as part of a wider review into cot

death convictions.

The solicitor general, Harriet Harman, announced in an emergency statement to

MPs that the review would be widened to cover civil as well as criminal cases.

Convictions based on disputed evidence by expert witnesses have been thrown into

doubt by the acquittal of Angela Cannings of murdering her two sons.

Ms Harman said: " In family cases, what's happening is there's a consideration

how to go about a review.

" We will make sure that we recognise that not only injustices done in the

criminal justice system but any potential injustices in care proceedings are

identified and acted on.

" We bear in mind the absolute, utmost gravity and seriousness of those whose

injustice is not in the hands of the criminal justice system but as a result of

the family justice system. "

The government also admitted today that justice will come " many years too late "

for some of the mothers jailed for murdering their infants, in the wake of the

discrediting of cot death expert Professor Sir Roy Meadows.

Ms Harman confirmed that the 258 criminal cases involving cot death over the

past 10 years are to be reviewed urgently.

Those who have not already attempted to overturn their conviction can go

straight to the court of appeal, but those who have must go through the criminal

cases review commission (CCRC).

Ms Harman accepted that the decision by the court of appeal last week that Sir

Roy's evidence was " wholly erroneous " , and the announcement by the general

medical council that Sir Roy, who is retired, was to be charged with serious

professional misconduct at a hearing to be held later this year, had " serious,

far-reaching implications. "

She insisted the situation was " serious, but not chaotic " , but added: " For many,

it will be many years too late, but justice will be done. "

She confirmed that there were 54 cases where people were still in prison, who

would be a particular concern. She said her " expectation " would be that any

application for bail during cases going to appeal would not now be resisted.

She told the Commons that the attorney general will meet the chairman of the

CCRC on Friday to discuss the review of infant death cases, prompted by the

Cannings judgment.

Ms Harman told MPs that there would be a " fast track process " for cases to be

considered by the CCRC.

The Conservatives pledged a non party political stance on the issue, but urged

Ms Harman to deal with the " stigma of conviction " some of those mothers would

now face.

The court of appeal ruling included a call for an end to prosecuting parents

when there is a possibility of cot death.

Labour's Alice Mahon told MPs: " Many years ago I suffered the loss of much-loved

and wanted babies.

" I've often thought during this whole case if Professor Meadow and his

misogynist theories had been around, perhaps I would have been investigated,

because it has had the hallmarks of a medieval witchhunt. "

 

 

 

 

 

 

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