CPS News Brief

William Roache charged with five indecent assaults

The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Lancashire Police to charge William Roache with five indecent assaults against four girls aged between 11 or 12 and 16. Three of the offences allegedly took place in 1965 and two in 1968. He has been bailed to appear before Preston Magistrates’ Court on 7 June 2013.

Nazir Afzal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said:

“We have carefully considered all the evidence gathered by Lancashire Police in relation to recent allegations from four complainants that William Roache indecently assaulted them in the 1960s. Having completed our review, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for Mr Roache to be charged with five offences of indecent assault relating to four girls who were aged between 11 or 12 and 16 at the time that the alleged offences happened. We have been reviewing evidence and providing early investigative advice to Lancashire Police regarding these allegations, which were made to police after Mr Roache was charged with two offences of rape on 1 May 2013.

“This decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and our guidance for prosecutors on sexual offences. Mr Roache has a right to a fair trial and it is therefore very important that nothing is said, or reported, which could prejudice that trial. For these reasons, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.”

The charges are:

• Two indecent assaults in relation to a 14-year-old girl in 1965
• One indecent assault in relation to a 16-year-old girl in 1965
• One indecent assault in relation to a girl aged 13 or 14 in 1968
• One indecent assault in relation to a girl aged 11 or 12 in 1968

CPS statement on the conviction of Matthew Tvrdon in Cardiff hit-and-run case

Grenville Barker, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS Wales said:

“The distressing incidents of 19 October last year led to the tragic death of Karina Menzies, as well as life threatening and life changing injuries for a number of others.

“The events of that afternoon were also extremely traumatic for the large number of people who witnessed them unfolding on the streets of Cardiff, during a busy time when parents were collecting their children from school.

“On 24 May this year at Cardiff Crown Court, Matthew Tvrdon entered guilty pleas to a number of offences, including one charge of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and seven charges of attempted murder, as well as a number of other offences of violence.

“The Crown Prosecution Service carefully considered these pleas in the light of all available evidence, which included expert psychiatric reports commissioned by the prosecution as well as the defence.

“This was a sensitive and complex decision and the evidence was considered by a number of senior lawyers, including experienced Queen’s Counsel. We offered to discuss these developments with all of the families affected by the attacks, and did so with those who wished to be consulted.

“We concluded that the guilty pleas, which mean Tvrdon has admitted to criminal offences in relation to all 18 victims, reflected the totality of the available evidence.

“Those affected by the events of 19 October have shown great dignity throughout the ensuing criminal justice process.

“I would like to thank them, and indeed the wider Ely community, for the manner in which they have supported the prosecution of this case.

“Many are still dealing with the physical and emotional effects of what happened last October. Our thoughts are with them as they continue the rehabilitation process and we hope that today’s developments in the case will assist them.”

Background

In the immediate aftermath of the events of 19 October 2012, Matthew Tvrdon was charged with one count of murder, thirteen counts of attempted murder, four counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and one count of dangerous driving. Further alternate charges were later added to the indictment. He has pleaded guilty to:

• One count of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility contrary to section 2 of the Homicide Act 1957 (amended by Coroners and Justice Act 2009)

• Seven counts of attempted murder, contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal attempts Act 1981

• Two counts count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861

• Two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981

• Five counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861

• One count of assault by beating, contrary to section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988

• One count of dangerous driving contrary to section 2 of the Road Traffic Act 1988

Operation Elveden: CPS concludes it is no longer in the public interest to prosecute Virginia Wheeler

Gregor McGill, a senior lawyer with the Crown Prosecution Service, whose team handles CPS decision making and potential prosecutions in relation to the on-going phone hacking investigations and other related matters, said:

"This statement is made in the interests of transparency and accountability to explain the decisions reached in respect of cases arising from Operation Elveden, which is the Metropolitan Police’s investigation into allegations involving the unlawful provision of information by public officials to journalists.

“In accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, which requires prosecutors to keep all cases under continual review, following receipt of further expert medical evidence relating to her health, the CPS has concluded that it is no longer in the public interest to prosecute Virginia Wheeler.

"Proceedings against Ms Wheeler were commenced on 22 January 2013 by way of summons for an alleged offence of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.

“The proceedings against Ms Wheeler have now been concluded.”

Background

Virginia Wheeler and her co-accused, Paul Flattley, appeared on an indictment alleging the following offence:

Virginia Wheeler and Paul Flattley, between 25 May 2008 and 13 September 2011, conspired together to commit misconduct in public office. Contrary to s.1(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977.

Paul Flattley pleaded guilty to this offence on 7 March 2013. Reporting restrictions previously in place regarding this case have now been lifted.