# CPS prosecutor cites imaginary case to high court after AI search

Digest AI · Policy & Regulation · published 2026-11-03T06:00:40Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/cps-prosecutor-cites-imaginary-case-to-high-court-after-ai-search

## Summary

Senior crown prosecutor Ravinder Dhillon of the Crown Prosecution Service cited a made‑up case in a high court dispute over a child’s alleged rape of his sister. The reference, generated by an AI response during an internet search, was later admitted as an error. Two senior judges called the use a “serious failure” and an AI‑law expert warned that such hallucinations undermine trust in legal authorities. The incident follows a February CPS admission that a lawyer had cited nonexistent authorities in an extradition case involving two Romanians. The CPS says the risk of recurrence is low and that it has a strict AI policy limiting use for legal decisions, with human checks for accuracy. An internal review was conducted after the error was discovered. High court judges in June 2025 urged the Bar Council and Law Society to curb AI hallucinations, warning that misuse could lead to sanctions or contempt proceedings. Doughty Street Chambers’ tracker now lists 101 AI‑related errors, suggesting the problem may be larger than reported. The case highlights the need for reliable sources and safeguards when AI is used in legal research.

## Key points

- CPS prosecutor Ravinder Dhillon cited a made‑up case in a high court dispute.
- The incident adds to 101 AI‑related errors tracked by Doughty Street Chambers.
- CPS says it has a strict AI policy and conducted an internal review.

## Why it matters

AI hallucinations in legal research threaten the integrity of court decisions and public confidence. This case shows that even state agencies can be misled by AI, underscoring the need for strict verification protocols and regulatory oversight to protect justice.

## Sources

1. [‘A serious failure’: CPS prosecutor cites imaginary case to high court after AI search](https://theguardian.com/technology/2026/nov/03/a-serious-failure-cps-prosecutor-cites-imaginary-case-to-high-court-after-ai-search) (The Guardian AI, 2026-11-03)

## Cite

Digest AI, "CPS prosecutor cites imaginary case to high court after AI search", 3 November 2026, https://digestai.news/story/cps-prosecutor-cites-imaginary-case-to-high-court-after-ai-search

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