Under the proposed new legislation, the States police and honorary officers – and not just a judge in court – would be able to impose restrictions on suspects released on police bail before they are charged.
Restrictions could include ordering that the suspect does not contact certain people, having to give up their passport or reporting to the police station at agreed times.
Following the death of motorcyclist Sam Slater (25) in a crash outside the Grand Hotel in 2014, lorry driver Antonio Da Costa Rodrigues was arrested on suspicion of careless driving and released on police bail.
He left the Island before being charged and has never been prosecuted.
The proposed new legislation also includes powers for the police to immediately arrest a suspect for ‘breach, or anticipated breach of bail conditions’ without having to seek a warrant.
Under the proposals, breaching bail would be recognised as a criminal offence which would carry a sentence of up to one year in prison or an unlimited fine.
Home Affairs Minister Kristina Moore, who has lodged a proposition outlining the proposals, said the current ‘lack of immediate recourse can be particularly problematic’.
