I do not practise criminal law, and my recollections of the subject from law school are hazy.

Nevertheless, my clear understanding is that those on bail are awaiting trial and, therefore, presumed innocent.


However, Baroness Scotland's reference (see [2005] Gazette, 1 December, 16) to 'the offender' on bail leads me to wonder whether that presumption is, in truth, held by the government.


Julian Critchlow, Fenwick Elliott, London