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Complaints were too late for IPCC probe
THE Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) was unable to investigate the claims of the six witnesses who came forward because more than 12 months had passed between the investigation and the complaints.
The IPCC served Northumbria Police with a notice, saying that it intended to investigate the murder inquiry which led to Shane Spence's conviction after receiving six statements from witnesses in the case.
The police made an application for the IPCC to drop the case on the grounds that the case was out of time. The IPCC agreed.
Mr Spence then wrote to David Miliband, MP for South Shields, explaining the situation, and he forwarded his concerns to Home Secretary, Alan Johnson.
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Mr Johnson wrote to Mr Miliband on Friday last week, explaining the Government has no power over the IPCC.
It read: "Decisions made by the IPCC can only be challenged through the courts, and Mr and Mrs Spence may therefore wish to seek independent legal advice on this point."
It also suggested the family refer the case to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), an independent body which investigates miscarriages of justice.
Mr Spence now says he will also challenge Northumbria Police through the courts.
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Weather for Jarrow
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 19 C
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