McDowell outlines plan for extensive changes to trial process

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell wants to introduce a new Criminal Justice Bill which will set aside acquittals where there is evidence of jury tampering or intimidation, provide the need for stated defences and speed up jury selection.

Mr McDowell outlined his plans yesterday as he attended the annual Garda Representative Association conference in Westport, Co Mayo.

Mr McDowell wants to introduce legislation where accused people will have to state in advance the type of defence they will offer.