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Wednesday, 24 October, 2001, 15:44 GMT 16:44 UK
'We failed the Chhokar family'
![]() Colin Boyd said the justice system had "failed"
Scotland's top law officer has admitted that his office "failed" the family of Surjit Chhokar while prosecuting two men accused of murdering the 32-year-old waiter.
The remarks by Lord Advocate Colin Boyd came after two independent reports identified failings in the way the case was handled by the police, procurator fiscal service and Crown Office. One report by Solicitor Dr Raj Jandoo found evidence of "institutional racism" by the police and procurator fiscal service. Another by Sir Anthony Campbell, Justice of the Supreme Court of Northern Ireland, made nine separate recommendations after identifying widespread "failings".
He told MSPs that the leaks were "grossly offensive to both the Chhokar family and to this Parliament." Mr Boyd said that the recommendations of both reports "have been fully endorsed by ministers". He stressed that improvements had already been made and announced further reforms for the criminal justice system, including:
Mr Boyd concluded his statement by saying: "These reports are, I believe, more than just a contribution to a debate but mark a significant turning point in the justice system in Scotland. "They will stand for many years to come not only as a signpost to the future but also in memory of Surjit Singh Chhokar." |
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