Ex-soldier wins right to appeal against Diplock trial

A former soldier has begun his appeal to the Supreme Court against a decision to try him in a Diplock Court.

A Diplock Court is a non-jury trial heard by a judge only. Diplock courts were introduced in 1973 in an attempt to deal with terrorist offences during the Troubles.

The former soldier is due to be tried for attempted murder in connection with a fatal shooting in Northern Ireland in 1974.

The Government technically abolished the old Diplock courts in 2007.

However, the Government gave the Director of Public Prosecutions temporary power to decide that exceptional cases should be tried without a jury if he believed there was still a risk of jurors being intimidated.

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Shalish Mehta

Shalish acts on behalf of both private individuals and commercial clients, bringing or defending claims in the High Court or the County Court. Shalish is fluent in Gujarati and will happily represent those for whom Gujariti is the first language, in English. Shalish is also able to advise and assist with negotiations to resolve disputes, avoiding the need for court proceedings. Shalish joined the firm 10 years ago, very shortly after he qualified as a solicitor. Shalish is a keen sportsman, regularly playing cricket and five-a-side football. He is also a self-confessed foodie, taking great pleasure in sampling different cuisines from around the world. Currently, Shalish is pursuing his interest in languages, attending evening Spanish lessons at a local college.