CPS News Brief

'Most wanted' fugitive jailed for £11m tax fraud

Jonathan Nugent was identified by HM Revenue and Customs as a wanted tax fugitive who fled the country shortly before his trial in 2000 for what is commonly known as ‘MTIC’ or carousel fraud. Today, he has been jailed at Manchester Crown Court for four and a half years following a successful application from the CPS to have him extradited.

Andrew Penhale, Deputy Head of Fraud at the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

“John Nugent has been on the run for nearly 13 years but despite his best efforts he has not escaped justice.

“Shortly after Nugent landed in the Republic of Ireland, he was arrested as a result of a UK European Arrest Warrant obtained by the CPS. Nugent was then swiftly brought to court in the UK, where he admitted his offending when presented with the strength of the case against him.

“Nugent, and other organised crime gangs who defraud the British tax system, damage our society by reducing funds available for public spending; including millions of pounds which could have been used for schools, hospitals and other vital services. Working alongside HMRC, we will now make every effort to recover the proceeds of Nugent’s criminal conduct for the benefit of the public purse.”

CPS statement on the conviction of Mark Bridger

Ed Beltrami, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Wales said:

“We welcome today’s verdict, which brings to a close a difficult and challenging prosecution.

“Ever since his first interview with police in October last year, Mark Bridger has relentlessly spun a web of lies and half-truths to try and distance himself from the truly horrific nature of the crime he perpetrated. He has refused to take responsibility for what he did to April and has stopped at nothing to try and cover his tracks.

“Despite his best efforts to evade justice, he has been brought to account by a highly professional investigation by Dyfed Powys Police, coupled with the diligence and hard work of the prosecution team. Working together, we have been able to comprehensively dismantle Bridger’s version of events and expose him as a violent, cold-hearted murderer and a calculated liar.

“I would like to record our thanks to everyone who supported the prosecution of this case. Everyone who has provided a statement to police or given evidence in court has played their part in today’s verdict.

“At the very heart of this case are April’s family, who have been through – and continue to go through – an ordeal of appalling magnitude. They have conducted themselves with a humbling dignity throughout. “We can only hope that today’s verdict will be of some help to them as they continue to try and come to terms with the loss of April.”

Michael Adebowale charged with murdering Drummer Lee Rigby

The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge Michael Adebowale with the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby on 22 May in Woolwich, London.

Sue Hemming, Head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter-Terrorism Division, said:

“Crown Prosecutors have been working with the investigators of Counter Terrorism Command since the killing of Drummer Lee Rigby on 22 May.

“Following the release of Michael Adebowale from hospital, we have authorised the police to charge him with the murder of Drummer Rigby. We have also authorised police to charge him with possession of a firearm, contrary to section 16A of the Firearms Act 1968. There is sufficient evidence to prosecute Michael Adebowale and it is in the public interest to do so. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Thursday 30 May.

“This man is now charged with serious criminal offences and he has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice this trial."

The CPS is continuing to advise police in relation to the other suspects arrested during their investigation into Drummer Rigby’s death.

Background

The charges are that Michael Adebowale:

1. On the 22 May 2013 within the jurisdiction of the Central Criminal Court murdered Drummer Lee Rigby. 

Contrary to Common Law.

2. On the 22 May 2013 within the jurisdiction of the Central Criminal Court had in his possession a firearm, namely a 9.4mm Dutch calibre KNIL Model 91 revolver, with intent by means thereof to cause persons to believe that unlawful violence would be used against him or her or another person.

Contrary to section 16A of the Firearms Act 1968.