LORD JANNER TO ATTEND COURT ON ABUSE CHARGES DESPITE SEVERE DEMENTIA
Lord Janner, a former Labour peer and Member of Parliament, has been ordered to appear before a judge in person next Friday for a hearing over child sex charges despite suffering from severe dementia.The case involves 22 charges spanning from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Janner did not attend the initial hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, with his legal team citing his poor health and risk of a "catastrophic reaction." Despite this, chief magistrate Howard Riddle ruled that Janner was legally required to attend, although he did not need to understand or participate fully in the process.
The court considered holding the hearing elsewhere, possibly at his home, but ultimately decided he must appear for a short, possibly minute-long appearance.
The court emphasized minimizing distress, with experts stating that while Janner suffers from severe dementia, his presence is legally necessary for the guilty plea or trial.
The case involves allegations of historical abuse of vulnerable young boys at a children’s home, which Janner’s family denies.
The trial will determine if Janner is fit to plead, and if not, a jury will decide his guilt.
The judge acknowledged the unique circumstances and encouraged creative solutions to reduce his distress, considering possible alternative locations for the court proceedings.
