A judge has refused to allow a Muslim woman to enter a plea in court until she removed her burka, claiming he could not confirm the woman’s identity without seeing her face.
The 21-year-old woman from Hackney in east London, who is accused of witness intimidation, had refused to take off the full-length veil and reveal her face at Blackfriars Crown Court, the Judicial Office confirmed.
He said that it was necessary for the court to be satisfied that they could recognize the defendant, adding that while he respected her right to dress in any way she wishes, certainly while outside the court, inside the interests of justice are paramount.
The woman’s barrister, Claire Burtwistle suggested a female police officer or prison guard could identify the defendant and confirm it to the court but Judge Murphy rejected the proposal, the report added.
The case was adjourned for legal argument over whether or not the defendant should have to remove her veil. It will be heard again on 12 September when the defendant is expected to enter a not guilty plea and go to trial.