CPS News Brief

Two convicted following death of Rio Smedley

Daniel Rigby has today been convicted at Manchester Crown Court for the murder of two-year-old Rio Smedley. Kirsty Smedley, Rio’s mother, has also been convicted of causing or allowing his death. Janet Urey, Senior Crown Prosecutor, said:

“This was a wicked attack against a vulnerable and defenceless child, perpetrated by Daniel Rigby. The injuries suffered by Rio were brutal and could not have been inflicted accidentally, as Rigby had claimed in an attempt to hide what he had done.

“Today, a jury has decided that Rigby caused Rio’s death and that Kirsty Smedley betrayed her responsibility to keep her child safe from Rigby’s violence.”

Stephen Farrow fund guilty of the murders of Betty Yates and Reverend John Suddards

Following a four week trial at Bristol Crown Court, Stephen Farrow was today found guilty of the murders of pensioner Betty Yates in Bewdley, Worcestershire and the Reverend John Suddards in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire. Farrow was sentenced to two whole life sentences.

Farrow also admitted carrying out an aggravated burglary at Vine Cottage, Thornbury, between 21 December last year and 3 January 2012 for which he was sentenced to three years, to be served concurrently.

CPS Senior District Crown Prosecutor Sian Sullivan said:

"From the beginning of the joint investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service worked closely with both Avon and Somerset and West Mercia police forces. As the reviewing lawyer I have personally handled this case throughout and must thank all the families for their cooperation and understanding under such difficult and emotional circumstances.

"We will never know what went on in Steven Farrow's mind as he took the lives of Reverend Suddards and Betty Yates but we hope their families take some comfort from the knowledge that he has today been convicted and sentenced for their murders."

Farrow, who is 49 and of no fixed address, had pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Reverend Suddards on the grounds of diminished responsibility, but this plea was not accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service. He had denied any involvement in the murder of Betty Yates.

Betty Yates, who was 77, was found dead in her cottage on Wednesday January 4 2012. She had been stabbed and beaten with her own walking stick. Reverend Suddards, who was 59, was found dead in the vicarage in Thornbury on Tuesday 14 February 2012. He had also been stabbed to death in his own home. A national manhunt was launched to locate Farrow and he was arrested in Folkestone, Kent on Sunday 19 February 2012.

Award win for National Black Crown Prosecution Association

The National Black Crown Prosecution Association (NBCPA) has been awarded public sector employee network of the year in the Race for Opportunity Awards 2012.

The awards celebrate public and private sector organisations committed to equality, diversity and inclusion that are demonstrating tangible results in the area.

The NBCPA, which brings together Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) staff at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), was recognised for its impact on both CPS employment and prosecution practice.

The association has contributed to the development of prosecution and HR policies, equality objectives, equality impact assessments and learning materials. It has also played an important role in helping the CPS strengthen its pool of talented BAME staff.

In addition to its work within the CPS, the NBCPA also supports community engagement with diverse communities, delivering mentoring programmes with other members of the Criminal Justice System.

Dale Simon, Director of Equality and Diversity at the CPS, said:

“The NBCPA plays an important role in promoting equality and diversity throughout the CPS and the wider criminal justice system. This award recognises the positive impact the association has not only through the development and support of its members but also on the CPS in general.”

Adrian Joseph, Chair of Race for Opportunity, said:

“Race for Opportunity stands for diverse and inclusive senior leaders, building the talent pipeline, increasing BAME representation and progression in the workplace, and for the reduction of ethnic minority youth unemployment. This is not about philanthropy, it’s about sound business judgement, but never has our challenge been greater. I commend all the Race for Opportunity award winners for leading the way in unlocking this business opportunity and embedding diversity and inclusion into their long-term business planning and strategy.”

Background
Race for Opportunity is the race equality in the workplace campaign from Business in the Community. For more information please visit www.bitcdiversity.org.uk.

Woman charged after fatal Prestatyn fire

A 42-year-old woman has been charged following a house fire in Prestatyn that resulted in four fatalities.

Karen Dixon, District Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service in Wales, said:

"The Crown Prosecution Service has been working with North Wales Police as their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic fire has developed.

"Our role at this stage is to review the evidence gathered so far by North Wales Police and issue advice in respect of criminal charges. I can confirm that, having carried out a detailed evidential review, our conclusion is that there is sufficient evidence to charge Melanie Jane Smith with four counts of murder, one count of arson with intent to endanger life and one count of threats to cause criminal damage. We have also concluded that it is in the public interest to charge the defendant with these offences.

"North Wales Police have now charged the defendant and she will appear before Prestatyn Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning (Tuesday 30 October).

"With criminal proceedings now underway, I would like to stress the importance of maintaining both the integrity of the ongoing police investigation and the defendant’s right to a fair trial. I would therefore ask that nothing is placed in the public domain that may undermine the criminal justice process."

Former Met police specialist detective sentenced to 16 months imprisonment for misconduct over rape & sexual offences investigations

Ryan Coleman-Farrow was today jailed for 16 months after pleading guilty to 13 counts of misconduct in public office at Southwark Crown Court last month.

Rosemary Fernandes, Crown Advocate for special crime at CPS said:

“Over a period of nearly three years, Coleman-Farrow failed to interview alleged victims and suspects, failed to secure forensic analysis, failed to secure CCTV evidence and ultimately failed in his duty to investigate serious allegations of rape and sexual assault.

“He also fabricated CPS decisions on such allegations – which were never in fact referred to the CPS. Victims of crime should have confidence that their allegations will be properly considered by the police and, where appropriate, that the evidence will be reviewed by the CPS for potential prosecution. Coleman-Farrow stood in the way of justice being done.”