Malcolm Erridge - Sweden

July 03

Latest News:

Mr Erridge decided not to pursue an appeal in October 2003, after taking advice from his lawyer that there was a risk of receiving a higher sentence.

Malcolm Erridge, a British lorry driver, was arrested entering Sweden on 17 March 2003. He had picked up a trailer in Belgium, where it had been loaded and cleared by Customs and was heading to Sweden.

Mr Erridge was not told why he had been arrested, but was questioned at length by the police and then held overnight and questioned again the following day. No one was told of his arrest until some 5 days later. The British Embassy in Stockholm was informed but was unable to make contact as Mr Erridge had been moved to a remand centre and held "on restriction". Permission to visit had to be obtained from the Public Prosecutor and this was not granted until 14 April.

A trial date was set for 28 May 2003 pending further information from Belgian Customs. Two weeks later, Mr Erridge was informed that he had been found guilty of smuggling offences and sentenced to 15 months imprisonment. This was increased to two years on appeal. Mr Erridege’s appeal against this will be heard on 30 and 31 July 2003.

Fair Trial Issues

1. Mr Erridge was not given access to legal advice until several days after his arrest.
2. He was not fully informed of the charges against him.
3. He was asked to sign documentation that had not been translated.
4. Due to minimal translation, he did not have a clear idea of the evidence against him and was therefore unable to properly instruct his solicitor.
5. His trial went ahead without the documentation from the Belgian Customs being available