CPS News Brief

Two men convicted of murdering of 17-year-old

Statement from Catrin Evans, Head of Complex Casework Unit, Crown Prosecution Service, Wales:

“Aamir’s life was cruelly taken from him in a brutal knife attack committed by Jason Richards and Ben Hope. At the same time, they inflicted very serious injury on Aamir’s parents, as they tried to protect their son.

“The prosecution team has worked very hard on what has been a lengthy and very complex case, founded on an exemplary investigation by South Wales Police. The City of Cardiff has extensive CCTV coverage and there is no doubt that CCTV evidence, together with telephony and forensic evidence, has been a major factor in the successful prosecution of this case.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported the prosecution case. Each statement and every piece of testimony has played its part in the conviction of these two dangerous and violent criminals.

“Whilst Aamir’s assailants have been brought to justice, we are acutely aware that nothing can make up for the loss felt by those close to him. Aamir’s family have shown remarkable dignity and fortitude throughout a lengthy criminal justice process and our thoughts remain with them.”

CPS decides no charges should be brought over hoax calls to King Edward VII Hospital

Malcolm McHaffie, Deputy Head of Special Crime at the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

“As is well known, on 4 December 2012, Mel Greig and Michael Christian, both radio presenters in Australia, made a telephone call to the King Edward VII Hospital in London, where the Duchess of Cambridge was receiving treatment, in which they pretended to be members of the Royal Family. During the course of the call, private information about the Duchess’ health was given, in good faith, to Ms Greig and Mr Christian and the call was later played on a radio station in Australia.

“Subsequently, Jacintha Saldanha, a nurse at the hospital who had initially taken the call but who had not herself passed on the information, tragically took her own life.

“The Metropolitan Police Service provided the CPS with a file of evidence on 19 December 2012 and sought our advice on whether a prosecution should be brought.

“Having carefully reviewed the evidence currently available we have concluded that there is no evidence to support a charge of manslaughter and that although there is some evidence to warrant further investigation of offences under the Data Protection Act 1998, the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and the Communications Act 2003, no further investigation is required because any potential prosecution would not be in the public interest.

“In reaching this decision, the CPS has taken into account the following, among other, matters:

• It is not possible to extradite individuals from Australia in respect of the potential offences in question.
• However misguided, the telephone call was intended as a harmless prank.

“The consequences in this case were very sad. We send our sincere condolences to Jacintha Saldanha’s family.”

 

Four men charged with trafficking and controlling prostitution offences

Jenny Hopkins, CPS London Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, said:

"We have authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Vishal Chaudhary, Attila Kovacs, Ibrahim Mosa and Peter Berki each with one count of conspiracy to traffick persons into the UK for sexual exploitation, one count of conspiracy to traffick persons within the UK for sexual exploitation and one count of conspiracy to control prostitution for gain.

“The offences are alleged to have occurred between January 2007 and January 2013.

“The decision to prosecute was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

"The four defendants will appear before Westminster Magistrates Court today (1/2/13).

 "They now stand charged with criminal offences and have the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice this trial."

Kevin Hutchinson-Foster convicted for transferring gun to Mark Duggan

Kevin Hutchinson-Foster was today convicted at the Central Criminal Court of transferring a gun to Mark Duggan. Alison Saunders, CPS London Chief Crown Prosecutor, said:

“The CPS proceeded with this prosecution based on evidence that Kevin Hutchinson-Foster had transferred a gun to Mark Duggan hidden in a shoe box in Tottenham on 4 August 2011. He had already lied about possessing the same gun and beating a person with it six days earlier, despite strong evidence linking him to that offence. He eventually pleaded guilty to those charges and today a jury found him guilty of this further offence.

“We are committed to tackling the menace of gun crime and will continue working closely with the police to pursue and prosecute those who supply or transfer the weapons that have caused terrible pain to so many families. This conviction sends a strong message that gun crime and violence will not be tolerated in London.”

Corporate manslaughter charge over the death of an 11 year old girl during a banana boat ride

Elizabeth Joslin, Specialist Prosecutor in the Special Crime Division of the Crown Prosecution Service said:

“I have carefully reviewed all of the evidence gathered by the Metropolitan Police and the Hounslow Environmental Health Department during their investigation into the tragic death of Mari-Simon Cronje.

“Mari-Simon died aged 11 during a birthday celebration at the Prince’s Sporting Club in Bedfont, Middlesex on 11 September 2010. She died after falling from a banana boat ride and being hit by the boat that had been towing it.

“I have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to charge the Prince’s Sporting Club Ltd with both corporate manslaughter and an offence under section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Section 3 requires all employers to conduct their business in a way that ensures, so far as is reasonably practicable, that others are not exposed to risk.

“Additionally, I have concluded that Glen Walker, a director of the Prince’s Sporting Club Ltd, should also be charged under section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

“This decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

“The company and Glen Walker will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 19 February 2013.

“I extend my sympathies to the family of Mari-Simon Cronje.”

Man convicted of murdering sister

Tony McCluskie was today convicted at the Central Criminal Court of the murder of his sister Gemma McCluskie.

Alison Saunders, CPS London Chief Crown Prosecutor, said:

“This was an extremely distressing and violent case. McCluskie used all means possible to divert suspicion away from himself, giving false hope to family and friends. After committing the crime on 1 March 2012, he filed a missing person’s report and gave false information to the police.

“The strong case against McCluskie led to him admitting unlawfully killing his sister and he pleaded guilty to manslaughter, saying it was not intentional and that he had lost control.

“But the prosecution did not accept his plea to manslaughter. We felt that the evidence of brutality showed a deliberate intent to cause death or serious bodily harm to Gemma, which amounts to murder.

“CPS London will robustly prosecute offenders to ensure that convictions reflect the nature of the crime.

“Our thoughts are with those who have been doubly affected by this tragedy.”

CPS decision from Operation Elveden

Alison Levitt, QC, Principal Legal Advisor to the Director of Public Prosecutions, oversees CPS decision making and all potential prosecutions in relation to the ongoing phone hacking investigations and other related matters.

Miss Levitt said:

"This statement is made in the interests of transparency and accountability to explain, and inform the public of, the decisions reached in respect of allegations arising from Operation Elveden into allegations of unlawful payment by journalists to public officials.

"This announcement relates to a file which was submitted to the CPS in relation to two journalists and two public officials on 30 August 2012. Three of those suspects were charged with offences on 20 November 2012. A fourth suspect has been informed today that no further action is being taken in relation to these allegations of misconduct in public office.

“Due to ongoing proceedings it would be inappropriate to say any more at this stage. At the conclusion of any related proceedings we will consider what more can be made public in relation to this decision.

“It is very important that nothing is said, or reported, which could prejudice an upcoming trial."