The detective who led the investigation into Damilola Taylor's
death has called for vulnerable witnesses to be allowed special
protection in court proceedings.
Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Crofts believes there is an
"underclass" of people whose "education, culture and social
background often make them very vulnerable within the judicial
process".
Their mistrust of authority and chaotic lifestyles can often result
in them drip-feeding information, which can undermine their
credibility as a witness and make them easy to attack and
provoke.
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He suggested a mediator to facilitate communication between the
witness and court.
Croft warned that, unless these issues were considered, potential
witnesses of a similar background to "Bromley" - whose evidence in
Damilola's case was discredited as unreliable - could be deterred
from assisting police and courts.
