Keir Starmer QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, said:
“The evidence submitted by Surrey Police in 2009 was considered by the CPS reviewing lawyer, who also held a face to face meeting with the investigating officers. Having considered the evidence the reviewing lawyer concluded that, in view of the fact that none of the victims were prepared to support any police action, there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction in respect of these matters.
“In light of the numerous allegations made about Jimmy Savile recently, last week I asked the Chief Crown Prosecutor for the South East, Roger Coe-Salazar, to read and consider the files in relation to the four incidents referred to us. He has done so and he has assured me that the decisions taken at the time were the right decisions based on the information and evidence then available. Whilst it is sometimes possible to prosecute cases where the victim does not support a prosecution, there are obvious problems in proceeding with a case where the victim does not support a police investigation, where there is no forensic evidence and only very limited, or even in some instances no, witness evidence, particularly in relation to allegations which date back a number of years.
“Out of an abundance of caution I have asked for the papers in the four cases to be provided to my Principal Legal Advisor, Alison Levitt QC, forthwith so that she can consider the decisions made and advise me accordingly.
“This is not a straightforward issue but I have said to the Attorney General that I would like to discuss with him whether the CPS should adopt a policy of referring cases to other relevant agencies, such as social services, where an allegation is made but cannot be proceeded with for evidential reasons.”
