The CPS confirmed in December 2011 that we concluded in 2009 that it was not possible to prosecute Jimmy Savile in relation to a file received from Surrey Police as there was insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction. The CPS cannot bring a prosecution unless this test is satisfied - see cps.gov.uk/code. This remains the case, but we are now able to provide more information, as below.
A CPS spokesperson said:
“A file was submitted by Surrey Police to the Crown Prosecution Service in 2009 after a complaint was made by a woman who said she had witnessed an indecent assault by Jimmy Savile in the 1970s. Police conducted further enquiries and as a result the file which was submitted to the CPS also referenced three further potential offences involving Jimmy Savile.
“The original allegation was that Savile had indecently assaulted a girl under 16 at Duncroft children’s home in the late 1970s. The three further potential offences were an alleged indecent assault on a girl under 16 at Stoke Mandeville hospital in or around 1973; an alleged incitement of a girl under 16 to engage in a sexual act at Duncroft children’s home in the late 1970s; and an alleged indecent assault on an adult in Sussex in 1970.
“However, the evidence showed that none of the alleged victims would support a prosecution. In these circumstances the CPS concluded that it was not possible to bring a prosecution in this matter.
“Prosecutors have to satisfy themselves that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction in order to be able to take a case to court and it was concluded that no further action could be taken in this case.”
