Clause 5 - Limits on period of detention without charge
Criminal Justice Bill
9:45 am
Mr Ian Lucas (Wrexham, Labour)
Is it not the case that the majority of offences of petty theft are committed by individuals with drug problems under the influence of drugs? The amendment would prevent the discretionary extension of the time for which such a person could be detained from 24 to 36 hours. Such a person could well be under the influence of drugs, and it would be entirely appropriate for the discretion to be exercised in such a case to make a suitable investigation possible.