‘A serious failure’: CPS prosecutor cites imaginary case to high court after AI search

The Guardian World Tuesday 03 November 2026, 06:00 UTC By Robert Booth UK technology editor 1 min read

Key Points

Exclusive: Nonexistent precedent cited in alleged child rape case adds to dozens of AI-related errors plaguing court proceedingsA senior crown prosecutor acting in a high court case cited an imaginary legal precedent in an error that has sparked fresh concerns about AI hallucinations infecting the justice system. Ravinder Dhillon, representing the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), referenced an entirely made-up case during a dispute over whether a child should be prosecuted for the rape of...

Exclusive: Nonexistent precedent cited in alleged child rape case adds to dozens of AI-related errors plaguing court proceedings

A senior crown prosecutor acting in a high court case cited an imaginary legal precedent in an error that has sparked fresh concerns about AI hallucinations infecting the justice system.

Ravinder Dhillon, representing the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), referenced an entirely made-up case during a dispute over whether a child should be prosecuted for the rape of his younger sister, court documents have revealed.

AI (ORG) Ravinder Dhillon (PERSON) the Crown Prosecution Service (ORG)

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‘A serious failure’: CPS prosecutor cites imaginary case to high court after AI search

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