Investigation into Hilbre Island fire

The request was successful.

Birgitta Kuhlmann-Muller

Dear Marine Management Organisation,

20 months ago you wrote that the Hilbre Island investigations re the fire are still ongoing.
See quote and email from Craig below.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the situation regarding Hilbre Island is unchanged; the incident remains subject to an ongoing investigation by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) "
Can you please let me know whether there is an update by now?

Yours faithfully,

Birgitta Kuhlmann-Muller

Dear Birgitta,

My apologies for any confusion; I can confirm my response relates specifically to your request of 25th January 2020, our ref: ATI2296.

For the avoidance of doubt, the situation regarding Hilbre Island is unchanged; the incident remains subject to an ongoing investigation by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and, as such, I'm afraid we're unable to comment further.

Regarding timescale, I'm sure you'll appreciate undertaking such an investigation can be a complex and lengthy process so it is not possible at this stage to give an indication as to when this will be completed, nor the likely outcome of this process.

In the meanwhile, and as I explained in our last exchange back in September/October 2019, the MMO welcomes any and all information or evidence relating to potential offending or ongoing investigations. This can be submitted either to your local MMO office (details of which can be found on our website, www.gov.uk/mmo), or to any MMO officer who will pass this on to the relevant team for consideration. You can reach the MMO by telephone on 0300 123 1032 or via email to [email address]

If you do have any information or evidence relating to the incident at Hilbre Island, we would be happy to discuss this confidentially and outside the scope of this FOI request.

I hope this helps but please let me know if you require anything further.

Kind regards,

Craig

SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information, Marine Management Organisation

1 Attachment

Dear Ms Kuhlmann-Muller,

 

Thank you for your request for information about Hilbre Island fire, which
we received on 20 September 2021. We are dealing with your request under
the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and/or Environmental
Information Regulations 2004 (EIRs)

 

As required by the legislation, we aim to answer your request as soon as
possible and in any event within 20 working days from the date we received
it (i.e. by 18 October 2021). If for any reason we are unable to meet this
deadline, we will keep you fully informed of the reasons for this.

 

If you require any further advice or assistance, please contact me in the
first instance.

 

Kind regards,

 

Susan Davidson

 

Communications Assistant | Marine Management Organisation

+ Lancaster House | Hampshire Court | Newcastle upon Tyne | NE4 7YH |

8[1][email address] | (0208 026 5501 |

 

Our MMO Values: Together we are Accountable, Innovative, Engaging and
Inclusive

[2]Website   [3]Blog   [4]Twitter   [5]Facebook   [6]LinkedIn   [7]YouTube

 

 

During the current health emergency, the Marine Management Organisation is
continuing to provide vital services and support to our customers and
stakeholders.  We are in the main working remotely, in line with the
latest advice from Government, and continue to be contactable by email,
phone and on-line.  Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we
can help you [8]https://www.gov.uk/mmo

 

 

 

show quoted sections

Dando, Garry, Marine Management Organisation

2 Attachments

Dear Ms Kuhlmann-Muller,

 

Thank you for your request for information about the Hilbre Island fire,
which we received on 20 September 2021. We are dealing with your request
under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA).

 

I can confirm that the latest position is that the MMO has initiated
criminal proceedings and the case has been adjourned until the 11 November
2021.  As I am sure you will appreciate, we are unable to provide more
detailed information at this time.

 

Kind regards,

 

Garry

 

 

 

Garry Dando M.CIPR | Service Exception Lead | Marine Management
Organisation (MMO)

+ Lancaster House | Hampshire Court | Newcastle upon Tyne | NE4 7YH

8 [1][email address] |( 0208 0265220 | 📱 07899
063652

 

Our MMO Values: Together we are Accountable, Innovative, Engaging and
Inclusive

[2]Website   [3]Blog   [4]Twitter   [5]Facebook   [6]LinkedIn   [7]YouTube

 

 

During the current health emergency, the Marine Management Organisation is
continuing to provide services and support to our customers and
stakeholders.  We are in the main working remotely, in line with the
latest advice from Government, and continue to be contactable by email,
phone and on-line.  Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we
can help you [8]https://www.gov.uk/mmo

 

 

From: SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information
Sent: 20 September 2021 16:45
To: Birgitta Kuhlmann-Muller <[FOI #792954 email]>
Subject: RE: Freedom of Information request - Investigation into Hilbre
Island fire MMO Ref: ATI2642

 

Dear Ms Kuhlmann-Muller,

 

Thank you for your request for information about Hilbre Island fire, which
we received on 20 September 2021. We are dealing with your request under
the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and/or Environmental
Information Regulations 2004 (EIRs)

 

As required by the legislation, we aim to answer your request as soon as
possible and in any event within 20 working days from the date we received
it (i.e. by 18 October 2021). If for any reason we are unable to meet this
deadline, we will keep you fully informed of the reasons for this.

 

If you require any further advice or assistance, please contact me in the
first instance.

 

Kind regards,

 

Susan Davidson

 

Communications Assistant | Marine Management Organisation

+ Lancaster House | Hampshire Court | Newcastle upon Tyne | NE4 7YH |

8[9][email address] | (0208 026 5501 |

 

Our MMO Values: Together we are Accountable, Innovative, Engaging and
Inclusive

[10]Website   [11]Blog   [12]Twitter   [13]Facebook   [14]LinkedIn  
[15]YouTube

 

 

During the current health emergency, the Marine Management Organisation is
continuing to provide vital services and support to our customers and
stakeholders.  We are in the main working remotely, in line with the
latest advice from Government, and continue to be contactable by email,
phone and on-line.  Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we
can help you [16]https://www.gov.uk/mmo

 

 

 

show quoted sections

Birgitta Kuhlmann-Muller

Dear Marine Management Organisation,

Thank you for your information about the criminal investigations re the fire on Hilbre Island in summer 2019.
I would be grateful if you could keep me updated when the court procedures start on 11th November 2021.
Do you know the time frame re decisions to be made re potential prosecution?

Or do I need to follow that up with another FOI in November?

Thank you.
Yours faithfully,

Birgitta Kuhlmann-Muller

SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information, Marine Management Organisation

1 Attachment

Dear Birgitta,

 

The court proceedings can be followed online and the outcome will be
published on our [1]website . As the information is publicly available you
do not have to submit a Freedom of Information request.

 

Susan Davidson

 

Communications Assistant | Marine Management Organisation

+ Lancaster House | Hampshire Court | Newcastle upon Tyne | NE4 7YH |

8[2][email address] | (0208 026 5501 |

 

Our MMO Values: Together we are Accountable, Innovative, Engaging and
Inclusive

[3]Website   [4]Blog   [5]Twitter   [6]Facebook   [7]LinkedIn   [8]YouTube

 

 

During the current health emergency, the Marine Management Organisation is
continuing to provide vital services and support to our customers and
stakeholders.  We are in the main working remotely, in line with the
latest advice from Government, and continue to be contactable by email,
phone and on-line.  Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we
can help you [9]https://www.gov.uk/mmo

 

 

show quoted sections

SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information, Marine Management Organisation

2 Attachments

Dear Birgitta,

 

Further to your telephone call, I can tell you that the hearing will be
held at Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrate Court. I have provided two
links, this one  [1]XHIBIT: Liverpool (justice.gov.uk) tells you on a
daily basis what cases are coming up. This second one [2]CourtServe  tells
you about cases in advance, but you have to register and create an account
to be able to view it. I have just tested both links and they work, maybe
copy and paste into your browser if they don’t open when you press ctrl
and click.

 

Kind regards,

 

Susan Davidson

 

Communications Assistant | Marine Management Organisation

+ Lancaster House | Hampshire Court | Newcastle upon Tyne | NE4 7YH |

8[3][email address] | (0208 026 5501 |

 

Our MMO Values: Together we are Accountable, Innovative, Engaging and
Inclusive

[4]Website   [5]Blog   [6]Twitter   [7]Facebook   [8]LinkedIn   [9]YouTube

 

 

During the current health emergency, the Marine Management Organisation is
continuing to provide vital services and support to our customers and
stakeholders.  We are in the main working remotely, in line with the
latest advice from Government, and continue to be contactable by email,
phone and on-line.  Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we
can help you [10]https://www.gov.uk/mmo

 

 

 

 

From: SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information
Sent: 27 October 2021 11:22
To: 'Birgitta Kuhlmann-Muller'
<[FOI #792954 email]>
Subject: RE: Freedom of Information request - Investigation into Hilbre
Island fire

 

Dear Birgitta,

 

The court proceedings can be followed online and the outcome will be
published on our [11]website . As the information is publicly available
you do not have to submit a Freedom of Information request.

 

Susan Davidson

 

Communications Assistant | Marine Management Organisation

+ Lancaster House | Hampshire Court | Newcastle upon Tyne | NE4 7YH |

8[12][email address] | (0208 026 5501 |

 

Our MMO Values: Together we are Accountable, Innovative, Engaging and
Inclusive

[13]Website   [14]Blog   [15]Twitter   [16]Facebook   [17]LinkedIn  
[18]YouTube

 

 

During the current health emergency, the Marine Management Organisation is
continuing to provide vital services and support to our customers and
stakeholders.  We are in the main working remotely, in line with the
latest advice from Government, and continue to be contactable by email,
phone and on-line.  Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we
can help you [19]https://www.gov.uk/mmo

 

 

show quoted sections

Birgitta Kuhlmann-Muller

Dear SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information,
Dear Susan

thank you for your information, which I have followed up by ringing Liverpool magistrates courts 0151 4737373.
However:
1. They couldn't find a case against WBC dealing with the fire on Hilbre island starting on 11th November
2. I was told that members of the public can watch the case in person by coming to Derby square, Liverpool,
but that there wouldn't be the option to follow proceedings online as advised by you.

I was further advised to ask for the case number in order for staff to maybe find the case after all.
can you please publicise this ?
Thank you.

Kind regards
Birgitta Kuhlmann-Muller

SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information, Marine Management Organisation

3 Attachments

Dear Birgitta,

 

I have picked up the voicemail you left on our helpline. My apologies,
there was a misunderstanding when I said the case can be followed online.
I did not mean virtually, I meant you can go on the court website and
follow it’s progress as per the links I gave you below. The case should be
listed as MMO v WIRRAL MBC (Metropolitan Borough Council)  CASE NO:
2100358279.

 

 

Kind regards,

 

Susan Davidson

 

Communications Assistant | Marine Management Organisation

+ Lancaster House | Hampshire Court | Newcastle upon Tyne | NE4 7YH |

8[1][email address] | (0208 026 5501 |

 

Our MMO Values: Together we are Accountable, Innovative, Engaging and
Inclusive

[2]Website   [3]Blog   [4]Twitter   [5]Facebook   [6]LinkedIn   [7]YouTube

 

 

During the current health emergency, the Marine Management Organisation is
continuing to provide vital services and support to our customers and
stakeholders.  We are in the main working remotely, in line with the
latest advice from Government, and continue to be contactable by email,
phone and on-line.  Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we
can help you [8]https://www.gov.uk/mmo

 

 

 

 

From: SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information
Sent: 27 October 2021 12:39
To: 'Birgitta Kuhlmann-Muller'
<[FOI #792954 email]>
Subject: RE: Freedom of Information request - Investigation into Hilbre
Island fire

 

Dear Birgitta,

 

Further to your telephone call, I can tell you that the hearing will be
held at Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrate Court. I have provided two
links, this one  [9]XHIBIT: Liverpool (justice.gov.uk) tells you on a
daily basis what cases are coming up. This second one [10]CourtServe
 tells you about cases in advance, but you have to register and create an
account to be able to view it. I have just tested both links and they
work, maybe copy and paste into your browser if they don’t open when you
press ctrl and click.

 

Kind regards,

 

Susan Davidson

 

Communications Assistant | Marine Management Organisation

+ Lancaster House | Hampshire Court | Newcastle upon Tyne | NE4 7YH |

8[11][email address] | (0208 026 5501 |

 

Our MMO Values: Together we are Accountable, Innovative, Engaging and
Inclusive

[12]Website   [13]Blog   [14]Twitter   [15]Facebook   [16]LinkedIn  
[17]YouTube

 

 

During the current health emergency, the Marine Management Organisation is
continuing to provide vital services and support to our customers and
stakeholders.  We are in the main working remotely, in line with the
latest advice from Government, and continue to be contactable by email,
phone and on-line.  Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we
can help you [18]https://www.gov.uk/mmo

 

 

 

 

From: SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information
Sent: 27 October 2021 11:22
To: 'Birgitta Kuhlmann-Muller'
<[19][FOI #792954 email]>
Subject: RE: Freedom of Information request - Investigation into Hilbre
Island fire

 

Dear Birgitta,

 

The court proceedings can be followed online and the outcome will be
published on our [20]website . As the information is publicly available
you do not have to submit a Freedom of Information request.

 

Susan Davidson

 

Communications Assistant | Marine Management Organisation

+ Lancaster House | Hampshire Court | Newcastle upon Tyne | NE4 7YH |

8[21][email address] | (0208 026 5501 |

 

Our MMO Values: Together we are Accountable, Innovative, Engaging and
Inclusive

[22]Website   [23]Blog   [24]Twitter   [25]Facebook   [26]LinkedIn  
[27]YouTube

 

 

During the current health emergency, the Marine Management Organisation is
continuing to provide vital services and support to our customers and
stakeholders.  We are in the main working remotely, in line with the
latest advice from Government, and continue to be contactable by email,
phone and on-line.  Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we
can help you [28]https://www.gov.uk/mmo

 

 

show quoted sections

Birgitta Kuhlmann-Muller

Dear SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information,
Dear Susan Davidson

Thank you for disclosing the case number for the court case WBC versus MMO at Liverpool crown court
re the works and subsequent fire at Hilbre Island in 2019.
I have rung the court with that number and have been told that the court proceedings are scheduled at 9.45 am in room 23 on the 11th November.

Thank you very much again for all the information you provided.
Thank you also, that MMO are taking action re this environmental disaster.

Kind regards

Yours sincerely,

Birgitta Kuhlmann-Muller

SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information, Marine Management Organisation

1 Attachment

Dear Birgitta,

 

I have picked up your voicemail regarding the court case for Hilbre Island
and have been given some advice from our legal team.

 

As far as the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is concerned, the
matter is listed to be heard before the Magistrates’ Court in Liverpool on
Thursday 11^th November not before 10:45 am. This listing is to be the
first substantive hearing where the court will expect the defendant to
enter its plea. If the defendant enters a guilty plea the court will
proceed to decide what sentence the defendant should receive but may
adjourn the matter to a later date if it feels more information is
required.

 

If the defendant enters a guilty plea then the court will adjourn the
matter for trial at a date which is suitable for both parties and the
court where sufficient time can be set aside to hear evidence from all
relevant witnesses.

 

We are unable to advise at this stage what plea the defendant will enter
on Thursday.

 

I’m sorry I am unable to give you any further information that will help
you arrange to visit the court.

 

 

Kind regards,

 

Susan Davidson

 

Communications Assistant | Marine Management Organisation

+ Lancaster House | Hampshire Court | Newcastle upon Tyne | NE4 7YH |

8[1][email address] | (0208 026 5501 |

 

Our MMO Values: Together we are Accountable, Innovative, Engaging and
Inclusive

[2]Website   [3]Blog   [4]Twitter   [5]Facebook   [6]LinkedIn   [7]YouTube

 

 

During the current health emergency, the Marine Management Organisation is
continuing to provide vital services and support to our customers and
stakeholders.  We are in the main working remotely, in line with the
latest advice from Government, and continue to be contactable by email,
phone and on-line.  Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we
can help you [8]https://www.gov.uk/mmo

 

 

 

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) The information contained in this
communication is intended for the named recipient(s) only. If you have
received this message in error, you are hereby notified that any
disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in reliance of the
content is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Whilst this email and
associated attachments will have been checked for known viruses whilst
within MMO systems, we can accept no responsibility once it has left our
systems. Communications on the MMO's computer systems may be monitored
and/or recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for
other lawful purposes.

References

Visible links
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2. https://www.gov.uk/mmo
3. https://marinedevelopments.blog.gov.uk/
4. https://twitter.com/the_MMO
5. https://www.facebook.com/MarineManagemen...
6. https://www.linkedin.com/company/marine-...
7. http://www.youtube.com/marinemanagementorg
8. https://www.gov.uk/mmo

Birgitta Kuhlmann-Muller

Dear SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information,
Dear Susanne

Thank you for passing on the information from your legal team.
I attended Liverpool magistrates court today at the allocated hearing time, but nobody from either party ( MMO OR WBC) attended.
The clerk at the door didn't know why, but the judge said later that the case has been adjourned again til 6th January. He didn't say whether a guilty or non guilty plea was entered in writing.

This is now the 3rd time since August that the case has been put back.
Apparently WBC has not submitted the fire report yet?
In case you can advise us on the latest developments, I would be grateful.

Kind regards

Birgitta Kuhlmann-Müller

SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information, Marine Management Organisation

1 Attachment

Dear Birgitta,

 

I can advise that the case was adjourned at short notice at the request of
the defendant in order to allow them further time to make written
representations to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). The case has
been relisted before Liverpool Magistrates' Court on 13th January 2021 not
before 10am. I am afraid that due to the ongoing nature of the case I am
not in a position to provide any information concerning the evidence which
has been disclosed by either party.

 

Kind regards,

 

Susan

 

Susan Davidson

 

Communications Assistant | Marine Management Organisation

+ Lancaster House | Hampshire Court | Newcastle upon Tyne | NE4 7YH |

8[1][email address] | (0208 026 5501 |

 

Our MMO Values: Together we are Accountable, Innovative, Engaging and
Inclusive

[2]Website   [3]Blog   [4]Twitter   [5]Facebook   [6]LinkedIn   [7]YouTube

 

 

During the current health emergency, the Marine Management Organisation is
continuing to provide vital services and support to our customers and
stakeholders.  We are in the main working remotely, in line with the
latest advice from Government, and continue to be contactable by email,
phone and on-line.  Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we
can help you [8]https://www.gov.uk/mmo

 

 

show quoted sections

Birgitta Kuhlmann-Muller

Dear SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information,
Dear Susan

Thank you for explaining the reason, why the hearing re Hilbre Island -scheduled for 11 th November - was adjourned (that the defendent WBC requested further time for making written representations to MMO.)

Can you please disclose
1. when ( which day and time) MMO received notification of this request and the decision from the judge to grant the extra time?
2.the reasons why the case was already adjourned on 19th August and 14th October?
3. Are there any legal rules how often the case can be adjourned?

Thank you for your time with my questions.
Yours sincerely,

Birgitta Kuhlmann-Muller

SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information, Marine Management Organisation

1 Attachment

Dear Ms Kuhlmann-Muller,

 

Thank you for your request for information about matters relating to the
Hilbre Island fire court case, which we received on 15 November 2021. We
are dealing with your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000
(FOIA) and/or Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIRs)

 

As required by the legislation, we aim to answer your request as soon as
possible and in any event within 20 working days from the date we received
it (i.e. by 13 December 2021). If for any reason we are unable to meet
this deadline, we will keep you fully informed of the reasons for this.

 

If you require any further advice or assistance, please contact me in the
first instance.

 

Susan Davidson

 

Communications Assistant | Marine Management Organisation

+ Lancaster House | Hampshire Court | Newcastle upon Tyne | NE4 7YH |

8[1][email address] | (0208 026 5501 |

 

Our MMO Values: Together we are Accountable, Innovative, Engaging and
Inclusive

[2]Website   [3]Blog   [4]Twitter   [5]Facebook   [6]LinkedIn   [7]YouTube

 

 

During the current health emergency, the Marine Management Organisation is
continuing to provide vital services and support to our customers and
stakeholders.  We are in the main working remotely, in line with the
latest advice from Government, and continue to be contactable by email,
phone and on-line.  Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we
can help you [8]https://www.gov.uk/mmo

 

 

show quoted sections

SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information, Marine Management Organisation

2 Attachments

Dear Ms Kuhlmann-Muller,

 

As you may be aware, organisations have up to 20 working days in which to
respond to a request for information from the date of its receipt.
However, in certain circumstances it may be necessary to extend this time
limit up to a maximum of an additional 20 working days. On this specific
occasion, I’m afraid it is taking longer than anticipated to gather the
information needed to respond to your request.

 

I have a catch up with relevant MMO leads next week and we hope to be in a
position to respond no later than Friday 7 January.

 

My sincere apologies for the delay.

 

Kind regards,

 

Garry

 

Garry Dando M.CIPR | Service Exception Lead | Marine Management
Organisation (MMO)

+ Lancaster House | Hampshire Court | Newcastle upon Tyne | NE4 7YH

8 [1][email address] |( 0208 0265220 | 📱 07899
063652

 

Our MMO Values: Together we are Accountable, Innovative, Engaging and
Inclusive

[2]Website   [3]Blog   [4]Twitter   [5]Facebook   [6]LinkedIn   [7]YouTube

 

 

During the current health emergency, the Marine Management Organisation is
continuing to provide services and support to our customers and
stakeholders.  We are in the main working remotely, in line with the
latest advice from Government, and continue to be contactable by email,
phone and on-line.  Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we
can help you [8]https://www.gov.uk/mmo

 

 

From: SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information
Sent: 22 November 2021 15:20
To: 'Birgitta Kuhlmann-Muller'
<[FOI #792954 email]>
Subject: RE: FW: Freedom of Information request - Investigation into
Hilbre Island fire MMO Ref: ATI2664

 

Dear Ms Kuhlmann-Muller,

 

Thank you for your request for information about matters relating to the
Hilbre Island fire court case, which we received on 15 November 2021. We
are dealing with your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000
(FOIA) and/or Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIRs)

 

As required by the legislation, we aim to answer your request as soon as
possible and in any event within 20 working days from the date we received
it (i.e. by 13 December 2021). If for any reason we are unable to meet
this deadline, we will keep you fully informed of the reasons for this.

 

If you require any further advice or assistance, please contact me in the
first instance.

 

Susan Davidson

 

Communications Assistant | Marine Management Organisation

+ Lancaster House | Hampshire Court | Newcastle upon Tyne | NE4 7YH |

8[9][email address] | (0208 026 5501 |

 

Our MMO Values: Together we are Accountable, Innovative, Engaging and
Inclusive

[10]Website   [11]Blog   [12]Twitter   [13]Facebook   [14]LinkedIn  
[15]YouTube

 

 

During the current health emergency, the Marine Management Organisation is
continuing to provide vital services and support to our customers and
stakeholders.  We are in the main working remotely, in line with the
latest advice from Government, and continue to be contactable by email,
phone and on-line.  Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we
can help you [16]https://www.gov.uk/mmo

 

 

show quoted sections

Birgitta Kuhlmann-Muller

Happy new year to you all at MMO

I am contacting you re the outstanding response to my questions re the court case WBC versus MMO relating to the Hilbre Island fire.
See your colleague GARY' s request for extension of the deadline below - however :
It's 7th of January today and I still haven't received the answers.
I would be grateful if you could update me asap as the next date for the court hearing is scheduled for 13.1. 2022
( next Thursday)

Your sincerely
Birgitta Kuhlmann-Müller

As you may be aware, organisations have up to 20 working days in which to
respond to a request for information from the date of its receipt.
However, in certain circumstances it may be necessary to extend this time
limit up to a maximum of an additional 20 working days. On this specific
occasion, I’m afraid it is taking longer than anticipated to gather the
information needed to respond to your request.
I have a catch up with relevant MMO leads next week and we hope to be in a
position to respond no later than Friday 7 January.

My sincere apologies for the delay.
Kind regards,

Garry

SM-MMO-MMO Access to Information, Marine Management Organisation

1 Attachment

Dear Ms Kuhlmann-Muller,

 

Please see data below which was requested on 13 December 2021.  I can
confirm that we are handling your request under the Freedom of Information
Act 2000 (FOIA).

 

The data disclosed has been provided to you in accordance with the
non-disclosure exemptions provided for within Schedule 2 of the Data
Protection Act 2018 (DPA) and for the purposes identified within your
original request only.

 

1. when ( which day and time) MMO received notification of this request
and the decision from the judge to grant  the extra time?

 

We received notice of an application by the defence to adjourn the matter
on 5^th November 2021. We received notification of the decision of the
court to allow the adjournment on 10^th November 2021.

 

2.the reasons why the case was already adjourned  on 19th August and 14th
October?

           

The case was adjourned on both occasions to allow discussions to take
place between the prosecution and defence legal representatives.

 

3. Are there any legal rules how often the case can be adjourned?

 

Whilst there are no specific rules which set out the number of times a
case may be adjourned, all parties to criminal proceedings are subject to
the criminal procedure rules (which can be viewed [1]here) and in
particular, rule 1.1 which is known as the “overriding objective” and
which requires the parties to assist the court in dealing with matters
“justly” which includes dealing with the case “efficiently and
expeditiously.”

 

We would hope that following the number of requests received and our
efforts to engage transparently during this process we can now close down
any further engagement on this specific case. 

           

If you require any further advice or assistance, please contact me in the
first instance. Additionally, if you are unhappy with the way the MMO has
handled your request for information, you can request an internal review
by writing to Internal Reviews, Access to Information, at the MMO,
Lancaster House, Hampshire Court, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle upon
Tyne, NE4 7YH or e-mail [2][email address].

 

If you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your request you have a
right to appeal to the ICO.  The ICO can be contacted at: Wycliffe House,
Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF. Tel 0303 123 1113 or
[3]http://www.ico.org.uk/complaints. There is no charge for the internal
review or making an appeal to the ICO.

 

 

Kind regards,

 

Susan Davidson

 

Communications Assistant | Marine Management Organisation

+ Lancaster House | Hampshire Court | Newcastle upon Tyne | NE4 7YH |

8[4][email address] | (0208 026 5501 |

 

Our MMO Values: Together we are Accountable, Innovative, Engaging and
Inclusive

[5]Website   [6]Blog   [7]Twitter   [8]Facebook   [9]LinkedIn  
[10]YouTube

 

 

During the current health emergency, the Marine Management Organisation is
continuing to provide vital services and support to our customers and
stakeholders.  We are in the main working remotely, in line with the
latest advice from Government, and continue to be contactable by email,
phone and on-line.  Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we
can help you [11]https://www.gov.uk/mmo

 

 

 

 

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