CPS News Brief

Couple found guilty of murdering four-year-old Daniel Pelka

A mother and her partner have today been found guilty of the murder of her four-year-old son, Daniel Pelka, who died on 3 March 2012 in Coventry.

Magdelena Luczak, aged 27, and Mariusz Krezolek, 33, were convicted after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

Lisa Windridge, Senior Crown Prosecutor from West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service’s Public Protection Unit, said:

“This has been an extremely harrowing case in which a young and defenceless child was starved and beaten to death by those who were supposed to have protected and cared for him.

“Daniel Pelka was a healthy four-year-old boy when he started at his school in September 2011, but by the time he died seven months later, he was a gaunt frightened little boy who had gone through immense suffering which was inflicted on him by his own mother and her partner.

“Not only did Magdelena Luczak fail to protect Daniel from Mariusz Krezolek, but she also played an active role in her son’s death. She knew exactly what Krezolek was doing to her son, but rather than seek help from her family or the authorities, she joined in with the abuse.

“Daniel would be locked in a box room with no bed and no toys, a room which he would also have to use as his toilet. Food was denied to him which resulted in him stealing food from other children in his class or scavenging food from the school dustbins. The abuse culminated when he suffered a blow to his head which ultimately led to his death, however, rather than seek medical assistance immediately, his mother and her partner waited 24 hours before they called the emergency services.

“Today, justice has finally been achieved for Daniel and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all of the witnesses who have given their evidence in this tragic case.”

Three convicted of attacking retired Indian General in London

Mandeep Sandhu, Dilbag Singh and Harjit Kaur were today convicted at Southwark Crown Court for grievous bodily harm on retired Indian Army officer, Lieutenant General Kuldeep Singh Brar, aged 78. The attack took place whilst he was on holiday in London with his wife on 30 September 2012. Barjinder Sangha previously pleaded guilty to wounding with intent.

Mari Reid of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Counter Terrorism Division, said:

“This was a violent and life threatening attack carried out by Sikh extremists on the streets of London’s West End. Lieutenant General Brar sustained deep cuts to his face and neck in full view of his wife near their hotel on Old Quebec Street.

“Lieutenant General Brar was targeted in a highly planned and pre-meditated attack. Harjit Kaur was instrumental in carrying out reconnaissance of the area and followed the Brars around London. The couple was set upon in what was a swift, effective and terrifying ambush; Sandhu and Singh held Lieutenant General Brar down as Sangha slashed at his neck with a knife.

“The group clearly targeted Lieutenant General Brar in revenge for his actions during his military career and today’s convictions are another reminder that the UK will not tolerate extremism of any kind.”

Operation Elveden: Decision to take no further action in relation to three members of newspaper staff

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

“On 5 April 2013, the CPS received a file as part of Operation Elveden, which is the Metropolitan Police's investigation into allegations involving the unlawful provision of information by public officials to journalists.

“The file concerned allegations of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office against four members of newspaper staff.

“After carefully reviewing all the evidence provided it was determined that no further action should be taken in relation to three of the individuals. The fourth suspect remains on police bail.

“These were considered carefully in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and the DPP's guidelines on the public interest in cases affecting the media. This guidance asks prosecutors to consider whether the public interest served by the conduct in question outweighs the overall criminality before bringing criminal proceedings.

“In relation to one of the individuals, the decision not to prosecute was taken on the basis that there was insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction. In relation to the other two, it was concluded that there was sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction, however, in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, it was determined that it would not be in the public interest to prosecute them.

“Due to ongoing proceedings in Operation Elveden it would be inappropriate to say any more at this stage.”

 

CPS statement on Court of Appeal assisted suicide judgment

Keir Starmer, QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, said:

“While I respect the carefully considered judgment of the Court of Appeal, I think it would be sensible for the CPS, if possible, to have the benefit of the views of the Supreme Court before any amendments are made to the DPP’s Guidelines in this important and sensitive area of the law.”

An application has been made by the CPS to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Denis MacShane to face false accounting charge in relation to parliamentary expenses claims

Malcolm McHaffie, Deputy Head of the CPS Special Crime Division, today announced that proceedings have been instituted against Denis MacShane, former Member of Parliament for Rotherham, and he is required to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on a date yet to be determined to face a single charge in relation to claims he made for parliamentary expenses.

Mr McHaffie said:

“Having thoroughly reviewed the evidence gathered by the police, I have decided there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to bring a criminal charge against Denis MacShane. This charge relates to fraudulent claims with a total value of £12,900.

“The charge is of false accounting, contrary to the Theft Act 1968. It is alleged that Denis Macshane claimed expenses for research and translation services carried out by a company that did not carry out that work."

Mr McHaffie added:

“Denis MacShane now stands charged with a criminal offence and has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice his trial.”