CPS News Brief

Kevin Howe convicted of assisted attempted suicide

Kevin Howe has today been found guilty of assisted attempted suicide after intentionally supplying a man with the means to set himself on fire in Bishop Auckland in May.

Elizabeth Reid, specialist prosecutor in the Crown Prosecution Service Special Crime Division, said:

“The victim in this case was known to be suicidal. He had told people earlier that day that he intended to set himself alight and had made threats to commit suicide on many previous occasions.

“Kevin Howe was fully aware of these intentions when he bought the victim both petrol and a lighter, and he knew precisely how they would be used. He deliberately encouraged the victim, who was clearly vulnerable, to set himself alight in a horrific and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to commit suicide.

“Kevin Howe failed to provide any satisfactory explanation of his actions throughout this case and has today been brought to justice.

“I extend my sympathies to the victim in this case, who remains in hospital, and hope today’s conviction provides some comfort to both to him and his family, as well as their friends and neighbours, many of whom witnessed this distressing and upsetting incident.”

Kevin Howe will be sentenced at Durham Crown Court on 4 October 2013.

Operation Elveden: former Sun journalist to be charged

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:

“This announcement relates to one file of evidence from the Metropolitan Police in relation to Operation Elveden, which is the Metropolitan Police's investigation into allegations involving the unlawful provision of information by public officials to journalists.

“Following careful review of the evidence we have concluded that Ben O’Driscoll, former Deputy News Editor at The Sun newspaper, should be charged with one count of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.

“It is alleged that Ben O’Driscoll authorised payments of at least £5,000 to public officials, including police officers and employees of Broadmoor secure hospital, in exchange for information.

“This information related to details about police incidents and crimes, including information about high-profile individuals and those associated with them. It also included information relating to the health and activities of Broadmoor patients.

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

“All of these matters 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.

“Accordingly, we have authorised the institution of proceedings against Ben O’Driscoll and he will be summonsed to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 September 2013.

“May I remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against Ben O’Driscoll will now be commenced and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is 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 full charge is as follows:

Ben O’Driscoll, between 9 August 2007 and 11 January 2011, conspired together with journalists at the Sun newspaper and public officials employed by the police and Broadmoor secure hospital and others unknown to commit misconduct in a public office Contrary to section 1(1) Criminal Law Act 1977.

Statement from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, on the case of Mr Nigel Evans MP

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

“Following an investigation by Lancashire police, the Crown Prosecution Service has received a file of evidence in the case of Mr Nigel Evans MP which concerns allegations of a sexual nature.

“After careful consideration, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to prosecute Mr Evans. Lancashire Constabulary has therefore been authorised to charge two counts of indecent assault, five counts of sexual assault and one count of rape relating to a total of seven alleged victims.

“The decision in this case was taken by Joanne Cunliffe, an experienced specialist rape prosecutor, in consultation with John Dilworth, Head of the CPS North West Complex Casework Unit and in consultation with an external and highly experienced criminal QC. I have also been consulted on this case. The decision has been taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and the CPS legal guidance on rape and sexual offences.

“Mr Evans will appear before Preston Magistrates’ Court on 18 September 2013.

“Can I remind all concerned that criminal proceedings are now active. All defendants have the right to a fair trial and it is very important that nothing is said, or reported, which could prejudice this trial.”

The charges are:

• One count of indecent assault on a man, dating between 1 January 2002 and 1 January 2004, contrary to Section 15 Sexual Offences Act 1956

• One count of indecent assault on a man, dating between 1 January 2003 and 1 January 2004, contrary to Section 15 Sexual Offences Act 1956

• One count of sexual assault on a man, between 1 January 2009 and 1 January 2010, contrary to Section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003

• One count of sexual assault on a man, between 30 June 2009 and 1 August 2009, contrary to Section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003

• One count of sexual assault on a man, between 1 January 2010 and 1 January 2011, contrary to Section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003

• One count of sexual assault on a man, between 1 January 2011 and 1 January 2012, contrary to Section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003

• Once count of rape of a man, between 29 March 2013 and 1 April 2013, contrary to Section 1 Sexual Offences Act 2003

• One count of sexual assault on a man, between 29 March 2013 and 1 April 2013, contrary to Section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003