CPS News Brief

Seven men charged with sexual offences involving a 14-year-old girl

Kris Venkatasami, Head of the Special Casework Unit and Special Operations Unit at CPS London, said:

"I have authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge seven men with a range of offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 which occurred between May and November 2012.

"All seven are charged with conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a child.

• Desmond Agyei is also charged with four counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and trafficking a person within the UK for sexual exploitation.
• Edward Kofi Edunya and Perry Murray have also been charged with one count each of rape.
• David Sarpong has also been charged with two counts of rape and one court of attempted rape.
• Ade Atitebi has also been charged with trafficking a person within the UK for sexual exploitation and one count of voyeurism.
• Austin Odisi has also been charged with eight counts of rape and Justin Maynard has also been charged with five counts of rape.

"This decision to prosecute was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

"The seven defendants will appear before Thames Magistrates' Court this morning (8/3/13).

"They 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 this trial."

No further action has been taken against an eighth man arrested.

CPS statement on Vicky Pryce and Chris Huhne

Malcolm McHaffie, Deputy Head of Special Crime at the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

“Perverting the course of justice is a serious matter and the system relies on people being truthful to police. It is important that everyone should act within the law – whoever they are.

“Chris Huhne made sustained challenges against the prosecution before pleading guilty at the last minute. This was expensive for the CPS and we will be applying for costs.

“I would like to thank my prosecution team for the professional way that they have dealt with this case throughout.”

Two men convicted of abuse against young girls in Keighley, Yorks

Michael Quinn, Senior District Crown Prosecutor, CPS Yorkshire and Humberside said:

"Shazad Rehman and Bilal Hussain have today been convicted of an appalling catalogue of abuse against young girls.

“Rehman and Hussain are sexual predators who targeted their victims because of their youth and vulnerability. They systematically and ruthlessly groomed their child victims, plying them with strong alcohol and drugs, and exploited the trust placed in them as adults in the cruellest possible way.

“These offences were then further compounded by the defendants’ attempts to intimidate one of the prosecution witnesses. This clearly demonstrates the utter contempt these men have for the rule of law.

"All the victims have shown immense courage in coming forward, and helping us to build a strong prosecution case. I would like to pay tribute to their bravery today.

“The jury has now found the defendants guilty of all the charges. Thankfully they will be now be behind bars where they can no longer pose a threat to young children. I hope that this outcome will help the victims to continue to rebuild their lives. The result today sends out the clearest possible message that this type of case will be prosecuted with vigour and robustness.”

Corporate manslaughter charge over man who died from crush injuries at work

Colin Gibbs, senior lawyer in Special Crime for the CPS, said:

“I have carefully reviewed all the evidence gathered by Hampshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive during their investigation into the tragic death of Malcolm Hinton on 6 March 2012 at Riddings Farm, near Basingstoke.

“Mr Hinton died from crush injuries after working on a repair underneath a road-sweeping truck at Mobile Sweepers (Reading) Limited. He had inadvertently removed a hydraulic hose which caused the back of the truck to fall on him.

“I have concluded there is sufficient evidence to charge Mobile Sweepers (Reading) Limited with corporate manslaughter under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007. I have also decided there is sufficient evidence to charge the company’s sole director Mervyn Owens with gross negligence manslaughter.

“In addition I have authorised charges against both Mobile Sweepers (Reading) Limited and Mr Owens with an offence under Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and also with an offence under Regulation 5(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.

“This decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

“The first hearing will take place at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on 21 March 2013.

“I extend my sincere sympathies to the family of Mr Hinton.”