Veteran MP John Barritt's proposed amendments to the Court of Appeal Act 2010 were withdrawn in the House of Assembly yesterday.

Mr. Barritt had proposed an amendment to the amendments put forth by Junior Justice Minister Michael Scott.

The Court of Appeal Amendment Act 2010 allows for people acquitted of murder and premeditated murder to be tried again if new and compelling evidence comes to light. Mr. Barritt's amendments included all offences as opposed to murder and premeditated murder but the amendment was not approved.

Yesterday, Speaker of the House Stanley Lowe said the amendments had to be withdrawn. "Regarding the bill that had been tabled by Mr. Barritt, this is simply formalising what we have already done. I wish to advise the members of the public that the Court of Appeal Amendment Act has been removed from the order paper.

"The member can't proceed with the bill now that the bill has been approved. It will be contrary to standing order 49.

"I have so informed the honourable member Mr. Barritt [and] I know call upon him on the record to formally withdraw the bill."

Mr. Barritt said: "I so withdraw the Court of Appeal Amendment Act 2010."