Malcolm McHaffie, Deputy Head of Special Crime for the CPS, said:
“Following a complaint by the Crown Prosecution Service and a subsequent investigation by West Midlands Police into two members of CPS staff, I have carefully considered available evidence in relation to Lisa Joanne Burrows, a finance manager, and Tahir Mahmood an administrative assistant. Both are employed by CPS West Midlands.
“I have now concluded that it is appropriate to charge both Burrows and Mahmood with conspiracy to commit fraud.
“The charges relate to an allegation that Burrows and Mahmood (otherwise known as Joseph Thomas A’Neil), on or before 27 February 2013, conspired together to commit fraud by false representation by submitting to the Crown Prosecution Service false claims for witness care taxi services to the value of at least £1,000,000 when no such services had been supplied. This is contrary to s1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977.
“This decision was taken under the Threshold Test of the Code for Crown Prosecutors. Both individuals have now been charged by West Midlands Police.
“These defendants now stand charged with criminal offences and have the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice their trial.”
The full charge is:
Joint charge
On or before 27 February 2013, within the jurisdiction of the Central Criminal Court, Lisa Joanne Burrows and Tahir Mahmood (otherwise known as Joseph Thomas A’Neil) conspired together to commit fraud by false representation by submitting to the Crown Prosecution Service false claims for witness care taxi services to the value of at least £1,000,000 when no such services had been supplied.
Contrary to s1 Criminal Law Act 1977
Notes to editors
Lisa Burrows, from Birmingham, date of birth 27.7.71
Tahir Mahmood, also known as Joseph Thomas A’Neil, from Birmingham, date of birth 23.11.1962
The Code for Crown Prosecutors says that in order to charge under the Threshold Test, prosecutors must determine whether the following conditions are met:
a) there is insufficient evidence currently available to apply the evidential stage of the Full Code Test; and
b) there are reasonable grounds for believing that further evidence will become available within a reasonable period; and
c) the seriousness or the circumstances of the case justifies the making of an immediate charging decision; and
d) there are continuing substantial grounds to object to bail in accordance with the Bail Act 1976 and in all the circumstances of the case it is proper to do so.
The Code for Crown Prosecutors is available at http://www.cps.gov.uk/publications/code_for_crown_prosecutors/
