A New Year, another delay for ICL/Stockline families
The agony continues for many of the families who lost loved ones in the ICL/Stockline tragedy on the 11 May 2004 as it appears the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are prepared to agree to another extension to company representatives to prepare their defence.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Ian Tasker, STUC Assistant Secretary said
“For the second time families have been informed with less than a week to go that is unlikely that the preliminary hearing scheduled for the 30th of January will take them any further forward in their search for answers as to how their loved ones died.
“Letters have been received from the Fiscal Service to indicate that the Crown Office will not oppose a further application by company lawyers for an extension.
“Families are left bewildered and angered by a justice system that pays little attention to their plight. The initial preliminary hearing was due to be heard on 12 December and families were notified with less than a week to go before the commencement of the hearing that an application for an extension has been made and would not be opposed.
“The families believe that the length of the extension granted must have been decided by the Courts and deemed to have been reasonable to address the points put forward by the defendant’s lawyers.
“Therefore, it is extremely disappointing that it would appear that there is likely to be a further delay in the preliminary hearing and this is another example of how families who lose loved ones through work related tragedies are treated by a justice system that pays very little notice of their pain and anguish when taking such decisions.
“As we approach the third anniversary of this tragedy we are seeking an urgent meeting with the Lord Advocate Catherine Dyer, Glasgow Area Procurator Fiscal so families can gate a detailed explanation for this further delay and why families are being informed at such a late stage.
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For further information contact Ian Tasker 0141 337 8100