'Fundamental denial of justice’ in bail hearings for unrepresented persons, High Court rules

Some of the accused were granted bail by the High Court after initiating their cases. File picture

Several accused persons suffered a “fundamental denial of justice” when they were remanded in custody after being left without legal representation in the district court due to a dispute over the new legal aid payment scheme, the High Court has ruled.

Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty on Wednesday made the ruling in cases brought by 11 accused people, who argued that their detention was illegal because they did not have a fair hearing at the district court.