The collapse of the case Regina v Porro leaves a number of serious questions unanswered.

The RGP rightly moved swiftly, at the time of the incident, to ensure that their storage procedures are up to scratch and secure.

 

Nonetheless a lengthy statement from the RGP does reflect a deep sense of frustration at the outcome.

The process of justice requires that the acquittal of any defendant be respected.

Separately the judge’s criticism raises questions on the prosecution’s handling of the case and whether or not sufficient resources were available for this.

The bottom line is that drugs went missing, the police moved swiftly to admit to this internal irregularity and act, an investigation was initiated promptly and yet, ultimately, there has not been a successful prosecution.

An independent review should be carried out and made public to determine what went wrong and to establish what improvements should be made to the resources available to the prosecution process, in particular the manner in which evidence, including statements, is gathered, secured and checked.