CPS News Brief

CPS decision on female genital mutilation case

A CPS spokesperson said:

“The CPS has been looking at eight cases of FGM, four of which are re-reviews of previous cases and four are new cases that have been referred to us for consideration and which we have been liaising with police on.

“We have now determined that no further action should be taken in relation to one of the new cases, in which it was alleged that the victim’s mother had arranged for her to undergo female genital mutilation in Kenya in 2006.

“The case was referred to the CPS in January 2013 and after very careful consideration of the case, we have concluded that there is insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.

“This was a very sensitive case, in which the victim withdrew her allegation. We offered her specialist support and special measures but she was no longer willing to support a prosecution.

“Careful consideration was given as to whether a witness summons may have been appropriate in this instance and we took into account the information provided by the victim, police and social services in relation to the victim’s vulnerability.

“In light of the information provided, we concluded that it would not be appropriate to apply for a witness summons, as to do so could lead to a real risk of harm to the victim’s health.

“This was not a decision that was reached lightly, as the evidence of the victim was crucial to a prosecution. Without the victim we were unable to proceed and we have therefore advised the Metropolitan Police that no further action should be taken in this case.

“The CPS remains committed to tackling FGM, which is a key priority for the organisation. We are still considering seven other cases, all of which will be reviewed on their own facts and merits.

“We also continue to make wider progress on the DPP’s FGM action plan, published in November 2012, working closely with police and other agencies to ensure we take whatever steps possible to tackle the challenges of investigating and prosecuting cases of FGM. As part of this, last week, CPS London and the Metropolitan Police Service signed a protocol setting out best practice for police and prosecutors in cases involving FGM to ensure a thorough and consistent approach is taken to all investigations and prosecutions.”

Nicholas Jacobs charged with murder of PC Keith Blakelock

Nicholas Jacobs (DOB: 30/10/1968) has today been charged with the murder of PC Keith Blakelock on 6 October 1985.

Alison Saunders, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London, said:

“Following a thorough investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service, we have decided that Nicholas Jacobs should be charged with the murder of PC Keith Blakelock during the disorder at Broadwater Farm in October 1985.

“This decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. We have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to prosecute.

“We have also concluded that no further action should be taken against five other individuals suspected of taking part in the death of PC Blakelock as there is insufficient evidence to warrant a prosecution.

“Nicholas Jacobs will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.”

“Nicholas Jacobs has been charged with a serious criminal offence and it is important that nothing is said or reported which could prejudice his right to a fair trial.”

Operation Fernbridge: Two men charged with sexual assault at London children’s home in 1980s

Kay Scudder, a prosecutor in the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit of CPS London, said:

“Following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service into allegations of child sexual assault committed against seven residents of the Grafton Close Children’s Home in Hounslow, London, we have today authorised charges against two individuals; John Stingemore, aged 71, and Tony McSweeney, aged 66.

“John Stingemore, who was in a day-to-day management position at the children’s home, has been charged with eight counts of indecent assault, two counts of taking an indecent image of a child, and one count of conspiracy to commit buggery. The charges date between 1980 and 1981 and relate to six boys who were aged between 11 and 15 at the time of the alleged offending.

“Tony McSweeney, who was a trainee Catholic priest at the time, has been charged with three counts of indecent assault and one count of taking an indecent picture of a child. The charges dates between 1980 and 1981 and relate to two boys aged 11 and 15 at the time of the alleged offending.

“Tony McSweeney has also been charged with three counts of making an indecent image, contrary to the Protection of Children Act 1978, on or before 15 January 2013. He faces a further count contrary to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 for the alleged possession of 12 indecent images.

“The decision to prosecute has been taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, the CPS legal guidance on rape and sexual offences and the DPP’s interim guidelines on prosecuting cases of child sexual assault. We have determined that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution is in the public interest.

“John Stingemore and Tony Sweeney will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 4 September 2013.

“Criminal proceedings are now underway and these defendants have a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice this trial.”

Two men involved in Selfridges £1.5 million smash and grab raid jailed

Connor Groake and Sam Curtin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob and aggravated vehicle taking at Kingston Crown Court today. Curtin was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment and Groake was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment.

Samantha Morris, CPS London reviewing lawyer, said:

“Sam Curtin and Connor Groake took part in a terrifying armed raid on Selfridges department store in Oxford Street on 6 June. They were part of a group who stole almost £1.5million worth of watches and jewellery. The group stormed the store and used axes and sledgehammers to break glass display cabinets and scoop out the high value items by the handful.

“The ferocity of the attack caused members of the public to fear for their lives with some even thinking it could be a terrorist attack.

“Following the raid the pair attempted to flee the scene on a moped but they crashed and were detained by members of the public until police arrived. They were found with a holdall containing 41 of the 142 stolen watches.

“CPS London is committed to tackling the menace of smash and grab raids to ensure that people can work and shop in the capital without fear of violence.”

Four sentenced over £5 million film industry tax fraud

Anish Anand, Amit Kumar, Sanjeev Mirajkar and Afsana Karim have today been sentenced at Croydon Crown Court for cheating the public revenue of more than £5m. Between 2007 and 2011, the group secured £4.6m by submitting fraudulent VAT returns and just over £400,000 through fraudulent applications for film industry tax relief.

Neena Jhawer, a specialist fraud lawyer at the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

“This sophisticated fraud involved an attack on two separate elements of the tax system, VAT and film tax relief. More than 20 film industry companies were used to facilitate both elements of the fraud, many which were set up solely for that purpose. Over a period of four years, the defendants went to extraordinary lengths to establish an apparently legitimate front to what they were doing: producing false invoices, scripts for films, shooting schedules, crew and cast lists, detailed budgets, contracts with writers and producers, and rented offices complete with letter heads and business cards.

“Like all fraud, however, this case boiled down to two very simple notions; greed and dishonesty.

“Had this fraud not been detected by HM Revenue and Customs, it would have cost them nearly £7m. This was clearly a very significant attack on the public purse and on a system designed to support and promote the UK film industry.

“The case demonstrates that even the most sophisticated frauds will not go undetected and complexity is no barrier to justice. The CPS is committed to supporting HMRC’s efforts to clampdown on those who cost the country billions in lost revenue.”