NC judges slam prosecutors for delayed trial

RALEIGH — North Carolina’s Court of Appeals has dismissed all charges against a man serving at least 44 years in prison in connection with a Durham home invasion.

In a ruling Tuesday, judges blamed prosecutors for a nearly five-year pretrial delay, saying it deprived Frankie Delano Washington the right to a speedy trial and prejudiced the case.

But assistant Durham district attorney Tracey Cline said prosecutors were ready to go to trial on several occasions and delays were caused by other factors, including a victim that was traumatized and a request from the defendant to have more evidence tested.

Washington was found guilty of burglary, kidnapping, robbery, assault and attempted sex offense after a trial in February 2007. He was arrested in May 2002 after a Durham family reported a home invasion.

AP-NY-09-02-08 1841EDT