News In Focus
26 January 2012
Chhokar case to be reviewed under "double jeopardy" exemption
Strathclyde Police have been instructed to carry out further investigation into the 1998 murder of Surjit Singh Chhokar, Crown Office announced today.
The move has been made possible by the "double jeopardy" legislation introduced on 28 November last year, which permits a previously acquitted accused to be tried again in certain circumstances, including where new evidence comes to light.
Three individuals have previously been charged and two trials held concerning the murder, widely regarded as a racially motivated killing similar to that of Stephen Lawrence in England, but no one has been convicted. The Crown has been criticised for its handling of the case.
The Lord Advocate, Frank Mulholland QC, and Solicitor General for Scotland, Lesley Thomson QC, met Mr Chhokar's family to advise them of the Crown’s decision.
Crown Office added that it is "actively reviewing and examining potential cases as part of a programme under the new legislation".
Ms Thomson said: “The prosecution service is committed to make use of the powers under the new double jeopardy legislation. The Scottish Parliament, in passing the Act, has clearly stated that the passage of time since an acquittal should be no protection for those for whom there is new and compelling evidence of guilt. We hope that our commitment to the new legislation will give reassurance to victims and their families.”
Cases will be handled by the Cold Case Unit, part of the COPFS Serious and Organised Crime Division.