People (at the Suit of Attorney General) v C

• Jurisdiction: Ireland
• Judgment Date: 01 January 1943
• Date: 01 January 1943
• Court: High Court

The People (at the Suit of the Attorney-General)

and

C

Written statement by police officer containing relies by accused to questions put to him by police after caution - Question of identity of accused not in issue - Accused the only possible culprit if offence in fact committed - Admissibility of statement - Impropriety of interrogating accused after it has become manifest that he must be charged - Public policy.

The accused was indicted at the Central Criminal Court for committing and for attempting to commit an act of gross indecency and an indecent assault. It was sought by the prosecution to tender in evidence a written statement made by a sergeant of police consisting of a series of questions put by him to the accused after being duly cautioned and while not in custody, and of the replies given by the accused. The evidence of identity in the possession of the police and of the...