Magistrate hearing

[adster2407]

I was recently arrested for an offence, and whilst in police custody, and during my interview, I asked if I could report 3 offences against me. I was told by several officers that they wouldn't take a statement regarding these matters until the current offence was dealt with.
During the hearing at magistrates court, where I pleased guilty, the prosecuting solicitor stated that I had made 3 complaints to the police, and read out very sketchy details of them. I was never allowed to make these complaints, and the only details I gave was whilst i was being transported from one police station to another, during a chat with an officer to pass the time. If I haven't made a statement in a recorded interview, or signed a written statement, can these be read out in court?

[sara3]

are you saying this conversation could be used against you? for what purpose?

[zbearspirit]

The answer you are looking for is no. Only official documents can be used in court and your conversation with an officer would not count. In relation to your complaints, if some one was investigated and charged to appear in court it would be categorised as a seperate court case.

[Yorkie580]

Did you bring these allegations up during a taped interview? If so, you would have been cautionned that anything you said could be brought up. Very often people will make counter-allegations during an interview. This is seen as relevant because it could form part of a defence to the offence that you are being investigated for.

Bottom line is that if, during a taped interview (when you are under caution), you say something, then it can be brought up in court. The whole tape can be playing in open court if the prosecution feel it is necessary.

[adster2407]

Thanks so much for the responses.
I attempted to bring up these allegations during a taped interview, and was told by the officer that he wouldn't discuss them at that time. My solicitor challenged this, and the officer said we could discuss them later in the interview, after we had taken a break. However the interview was never resumed.
I am just concerned that I never gave the full details of the complaints, yet very sketchy details were read out in court. I am currently making a complaint to the police force involved, about another issue, and was wondering if this was worth adding to my complaint.

[sara3]

adster, if you feel you have a complaint against the police you need to make a complaint.

if it has no relevance to your current case it should not be brought up during your case. there are rules about disclosure and there should be no surprises re evidence in a hearing/trial. your legal rep should be the one dealing with this.