Some media have today published reports based on an email sent by a member of CPS staff suggesting how cases should be allocated to external counsel or managed internally.
Responding to reports, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, said:
“The e-mail in question should not have been sent and categorically does not reflect the CPS policy on allocating cases to advocates. The circulation of the e-mail was small (about 43 recipients in an organisation of over 6,000 staff), it only covered advocates dealing with cases in North London Crown Courts and its existence was short-lived (it was dated 15th January 2013 and was withdrawn on 19th February 2013). I have had assurances from all Chief Crown Prosecutors across England and Wales that no such or similar scheme has been operated elsewhere in the CPS. I am disappointed that the e-mail was sent and I have assured the Attorney General, the Bar Council and the Criminal Bar Association that I will ascertain how it came to be sent and revert to them on the matter.”
