CPS News Brief

CPS Statement on Michael Brown

Andrew Penhale from the CPS Central Fraud Group said:

“The CPS is pleased to have secured the extradition of Michael Brown from Spain, who was arrested in Madrid on Saturday 21 April, following the issuing of a European Arrest Warrant. After nearly four years of evading justice, Michael Brown has been informed of the seven year sentence imposed in his absence, after he absconded part way through his trial at Southwark Crown Court in 2008.

"We would like to thank the City of London Police, SOCA and the Foreign Office for their assistance in bringing Brown back to the UK.”

Background

Brown was convicted in absentia in November 2008 of the following offences:

Theft of US$7,200,000
Theft of US$1,291,809
Furnishing False Information
Perverting the Courts of Public Justice

He was sentenced in May 2009 as follows:

Theft of US$7,200,000 – 6 Years’ Imprisonment
Theft of US$1,291,809 – 6 Years’ Imprisonment
Furnishing False Information – 6 Years’ Imprisonment
Perverting the Course of Public Justice – 12 Months’ Imprisonment.

All of the above sentences were ordered to run concurrently to each other save for the last one which was ordered to be served consecutively to the other three, making a total sentence of 7 years’ imprisonment.

Four charged with terrorism offences

Piers Arnold, specialist prosecutor from the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said:

“After carefully considering evidence gathered by the Metropolitan Police Service, I have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to jointly charge Zahid Iqbal, Mohammed Sharfaraz Ahmed, Umar Arshad and Syed Farhan Hussain with an offence contrary to section 5 (1) of the Terrorism Act 2006.

“It is alleged that between 1 January 2011 and 25 April 2012 the men committed acts of terrorism, or assisted others to commit such acts, or were engaged in conduct in preparation for giving effect to that intention. The alleged conduct included: facilitating, planning and encouraging travel overseas organising, encouraging and participating in physical training purchasing survival equipment downloading, researching and discussing electronic files containing practical instruction for a terrorist attack discussing methods, materials and targets for a terrorist attack including firearms and improvised explosive devices collecting and supplying funds for terrorist purposes overseas

“All four men are also individually charged with offences contrary to section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000, namely possessing documents likely to be useful for a terrorist purpose. “The defendants will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court at 2pm today.

“After careful consideration the CPS concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute a fifth suspect, and he was released without charge.

“All decisions were taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.”

Further information:

• The five men were arrested on 24 April 2012.
• The Attorney General gave consent for these charges, as is required
• The maximum sentence for an offence contrary to section 5 (1) of the Terrorism Act 2006 is life imprisonment.
• The maximum sentence for an offence contrary to section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000 is ten years’ imprisonment.