Les, I will be very surprised to see him ever stand in the dock. If he is found to be as ill as the independent medics have said, then I am sure the law will 'protect him'.

And, no court can make a person who refuses to do so, actually appear in court.

In reality, just a waste of money to appease 'the public' and add weight to the arguments of those who will be claiming compensation.

If we were taking about say a penniless former lorry driver instead of a peer of the realm, I think the general 'outrage' would be pretty subdued.