This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33909697

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Lord Janner lawyers lose High Court bid over child abuse charges Lord Janner lawyers lose High Court bid over child abuse charges
(35 minutes later)
Lawyers for Lord Janner have lost a High Court bid to spare him attending court to face child sex abuse charges.Lawyers for Lord Janner have lost a High Court bid to spare him attending court to face child sex abuse charges.
The 87-year-old peer, who has dementia, must now appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday in relation to 22 charges spanning the 1960s to the 1980s, which he denies.The 87-year-old peer, who has dementia, must now appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday in relation to 22 charges spanning the 1960s to the 1980s, which he denies.
The ex-MP's lawyers had argued it was "barbaric, inhumane and uncivilised" to force him to attend as he was too ill.The ex-MP's lawyers had argued it was "barbaric, inhumane and uncivilised" to force him to attend as he was too ill.
But judges upheld a previous ruling that the 87-year-old must be present.But judges upheld a previous ruling that the 87-year-old must be present.
His lawyer Paul Ozin had argued Lord Janner had "virtually no language left at all" and was likely to have a "catastrophic reaction" if he attended court. Lord Janner's lawyers are now considering whether to make an application to the Court of Appeal.
The previous ruling by district judges ordering him to attend was "perverse", and forcing him to attend court in person violated his human rights, he said. But, as it stands, Lord Janner must attend court or risk arrest, said BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw.
'Public justice''Public justice'
Lord Janner's family have strongly denied claims he used his power as an MP to abuse young boys over a 30-year period.
His lawyer argued he had "virtually no language left at all" and was likely to have a "catastrophic reaction" if he attended court.
The previous ruling by district judges ordering him to attend in person was "perverse", and violated his human rights, said Paul Ozin.
However, giving her ruling Lady Justice Rafferty said even if Lord Janner did have a reaction to appearing in court it would be "short lived and rapidly forgotten".However, giving her ruling Lady Justice Rafferty said even if Lord Janner did have a reaction to appearing in court it would be "short lived and rapidly forgotten".
Justice should be public and court not a place of avoidable spectacle, she said.Justice should be public and court not a place of avoidable spectacle, she said.
She and fellow High Court judge Mr Justice Irwin had "unhesitatingly" reached conclusion that it was in the public interest that Lord Janner attend court, she said. Lady Justice Rafferty, sitting with Mr Justice Irwin, said the court had "unhesitatingly concluded" that it was in the public interest that Lord Janner attend court.
Mr Justice Irwin said if Mr Ozin's arguments were to be accepted then notorious mentally ill homicide suspects might also not have to attend court.Mr Justice Irwin said if Mr Ozin's arguments were to be accepted then notorious mentally ill homicide suspects might also not have to attend court.
Lord Janner's family strongly denies claims he used his power as an MP to abuse young boys over a 30-year period.
Who is Lord Janner?Who is Lord Janner?
The case is likely to be sent to a crown court, which will decide whether Lord Janner is fit to face a trial.
Earlier this year, Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders decided not to bring charges because of Lord Janner's health - but this decision was overturned after an appeal by the alleged victims.
If a crown court judge decides the former Labour MP for Leicester is fit to plead, a full trial may take place.
If not, there will be a so-called trial of the facts, where a jury will decide only if he committed the physical acts of abuse, with no finding of guilt and no conviction.
Greville Janner was made Lord Janner of Braunstone in 1997. He remains a life peer, but has been on leave of absence since 2014.
He was suspended from the Labour Party in April.