They could not insist upon any supposed right 'to put one's case' or previous inconsistent statements to a vulnerable witness.

But prosecutors yesterday said he got identities wrong, made inconsistent statements and was not backed by medical evidence.

Both witnesses had previously made inconsistent statements that were exculpatory of the defendants.

He said that it also made inconsistent statements that call into question its ability or willingness to regulate in favour of the consumer.

Witnesses may be impeached by prior inconsistent statements or by evidence of prior bad acts involving dishonesty or fraud.