CPS News Brief

Conviction of Dale Cregan and others

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

“The Crown Prosecution Service and Greater Manchester Police have been determined to bring to justice all those involved in the four murders and the attempted murders in this case.

“The murders of all four victims, Mark Short, David Short and Police constables Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes, were nothing short of executions - planned, premeditated and cold-blooded. The blatant use of firearms and grenades put members of the public at risk of significant harm and caused fear amongst local communities.

“This has been a hugely challenging case both in its scale and complexity. Through painstaking analysis of a huge amount of evidence the CPS, prosecuting counsel and police have left no stone unturned to piece together the events and to prove who was responsible. The timescale within which a case of this size, involving so many defendants and so many murders, was brought to trial was exceptional and that was down to the dedication and commitment of everyone in the investigation and prosecution teams.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the witnesses from the local area who spoke to police, gave a statement or had the courage to give evidence at court. Their support and assistance has been vital to securing these convictions.

“Above all our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of the victims at this extremely difficult time.”

Constance Briscoe charged with intending to pervert the course of justice

Deborah Walsh, a senior lawyer at the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

“We have today authorised the Kent and Essex Police Serious Crime Directorate to charge Constance Briscoe with two counts of intending to pervert the course of public justice.

“The first allegation is that, between 16 May 2011 and 6 October 2012, Constance Briscoe provided Essex Police with two statements which were inaccurate. The second allegation, dated 6 October 2012, is that Constance Briscoe produced a copy of a witness statement that had been altered and that she maintained was the correct version.

“This decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. We have determined that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that these charges are in the public interest.

“Constance Briscoe will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 24 June 2013.

“Constance Briscoe is now charged with criminal offences and has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice this trial.”

The full charges are as follows:

Charge 1

Between 16 May 2011 and 6 October 2012 you with intent to pervert the course of public justice, did a series of acts which had a tendency to pervert the course of public justice, in that you provided the police with two statements which were inaccurate.

Contrary to Common Law

Charge 2

On 6 October 2012 you with intent to pervert the course of public justice, did an act which had a tendency to pervert the course of public justice, in that you produced a copy of your witness statement that had been altered and maintained that it was the correct version of that statement.

Contrary to Common Law

Update on Operation Alice

The CPS is not in a position to consider if criminal charges should be brought in relation to Operation Alice as the Metropolitan police investigation is very much ongoing. This is a complex investigation and extensive enquiries have already been undertaken and we continue to work very closely with the police.

We have been informed by the police that it is likely to be up to three weeks before further witness statements, and other evidence, is made available to us. Only when all the relevant evidence is passed to us will we be able to consider if charges should be brought.