CPS News Brief

Paul Gadd charged with eight offences

Baljit Ubhey, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London, said: "We have carefully considered the evidence gathered by the Metropolitan Police Service in relation to Paul Gadd, also known as Gary Glitter. He was arrested on 28 October 2012 over allegations of sexual offences and the police have been providing material to the CPS since July 2013, with the most recent material submitted in March 2014.

"Having completed our review, we have concluded, in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for Mr Gadd to be charged with eight offences under the Sexual Offences Act 1956. These relate to two female complainants aged between 12 and 14 at the time of the alleged offending between 1977 and 1980.

"Mr Gadd will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 19 June 2014.

"We have also decided that no further action should be taken in relation to five allegations made by two further complainants as we determined there was insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.

"May I remind all concerned that Mr Gadd has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Charges

The charges relating to the first complainant, who was aged 12 or 13 at the time of the alleged offending, are:

• Two counts of indecent assault between 31 January and 31 May 1977
• One count of administering a drug or other thing in order to facilitate sexual intercourse between 31 January and 31 May 1977
• One count of sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13 between 31 January and 31 May 1977
• Two counts of indecent assault between 31 May and 31 December 1977

The charges relating to the second complainant, who was aged 13 or 14 at the time of the alleged offending, are:

• Two counts of indecent assault between 1 October 1979 and 31 December 1980

Man faces charge of misconduct in public office

Gregor McGill, a senior lawyer at the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

"The CPS has authorised the Metropolitan Police to summons Paul Randall for an offence of misconduct in public office.

“We have also decided, in relation to separate allegations, there is insufficient evidence to charge another individual with conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office. 

“Paul Randall will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 25 June 2014.

“On 22 April 2014 the CPS determined that there was insufficient evidence to charge a third individual with misconduct in public office.

"May I remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against Paul Randall will now be commenced and of his right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Details of the full charge:

On 25 October 2006, Paul Randall, a public officer acting as such, without reasonable excuse or justification, wilfully misconducted himself to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust in that office.

Man charged over deaths of workers at Hampshire fruit farm

Piers Arnold, specialist lawyer for the CPS Special Crime Division, said:

“I have carefully reviewed all the evidence gathered during the joint investigation by Hampshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive into the tragic deaths of Scott Cain, 23, and Ashley Clarke, 24, who died working on a farm in Hampshire on 18 February 2013. 

“The two men, who worked for Blackmoor Estate Limited, died while retrieving apples from a long-term storage container in which fruit is kept at very low oxygen levels.

“I have concluded there is sufficient evidence to charge Andrew Stocker, former manager of the fruit packing and storage operation at Blackmoor Estate Limited, with two counts of gross negligence manslaughter.

“I have also concluded there is sufficient evidence to charge the company, Blackmoor Estate Limited, with an offence under section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

"These decisions were taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

"I extend my sympathies to the families of Mr Cain and Mr Clarke.

“Andrew Stocker and Blackmoor Estate Limited will appear before Aldershot Magistrates' Court on 26 June 2014.

"May I remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against Andrew Stocker and Blackmoor Estate Limited will now be commenced. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."