The Suffolk Hyde Affair - Doc 269 Leiston RFU

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Lowestoft Fire station
PO Box 54
Lowestoft
NR32 2QA


2nd July 1999


Dear Miss Davies,

Discipline case – Ff M Hyde

Thank you for your letter dated 24th June 1999.

As already expressed to you by others, and myself, the appointment of an assessor at a summary hearing is unprecedented. Despite extensive research I have as yet not identified its occurence previously. I would be pleased if you could inform me as to where and when this procedure has been used before.

Having widened my search further I note the deliberations of Widgery LCJE 1978 in connection with a Fire service discipline case which departed from normal procedures. The LCJE expressed words to the effect that such action could only possibly be accepted in exceptional circumstances.

There is absolutely no doubt the attendance of Mr C Jackson is a serious departure from the specific laid procedures, by regulation and guidance.

For that reason above I ask you once more to please provide in a particularised form the exceptional circumstances which exist and require the appointment of Mr C Jackson to the summary hearing of Ff M Hyde.

By implication, to ensure the defence is not prejudiced it is my reasonable belief that we are made aware of what these exceptional circumstances are. At the same time I also ask why to date we have not been informed of these circumstances. Indeed, an element essential to natural justice is that the accused should know the nature of the allegation against him/her.

Ff Hyde and myself are unaware of any circumstances that could reasonably adjudged to be exceptional.

I would be grateful if you could give these matters your prompt attention.


Yours faithfully



A Wigglesworth BSc, MBA, G.I.Fire.E.