Police auctioned Exhibit A

A suspected burglar had his case thrown out of court after a judge was told that the police had accidentally sold the evidence (Exhibit A). 

Peter Rafferty, 54, from Birmingham, had been charged with going equipped for burglary after he was arrested in Bilston carrying items including a drill and gloves. But after telling Stafford Crown Court that the items had been sold, the prosecution could offer no other evidence.

Rafferty had denied the allegation, so, a verdict of ‘not guilty’ was entered and he was discharged. 

It is understood that an officer put the items forward for auction without realising they were needed. West Midlands Police said the officer had been disciplined.

‘Police auctioned Exhibit A’ 

⇒Wat was hiervan het gevolg voor de verdachte?