RUI is increasingly being used rather than imposing strict bail controls on suspects before trial. The practice became legal in 2017 – resulting in suspects, victims and witnesses waiting months and even years for justice. The court heard Ireland has appeared in court on 17 occasions and has 31 criminal offences on his record. In a victim statement, he said: “At the time [Ireland] had been released under investigation in relation to another incident in which a weapon was used. The prosecution psychiatrist said he had “traits of autism spectrum disorder” and “conduct disorder” – symptoms of which include “excessive levels of fighting”.

Source: The Guardian December 17, 2019 13:30 UTC