CPS News Brief

Patrick Rock charged

On the authority of the CPS, the National Crime Agency has today charged Patrick Rock, 63, a former Whitehall adviser, with three offences of making indecent images of children and one offence of possession of 59 indecent images of children. He has been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 3 July 2014.

The charges are:

Three counts of making an indecent photograph of a child contrary to section 1(a) of the Protection of Children Act 1978, between 31 July 2013 and 31 August 2013

One count of possession of indecent photographs of children contrary to Section 160 Criminal Justice Act 1988, between 31 July 2013 and 31 August 2013

It is alleged that the images meet the definition of Level C, as assessed by NCA CEOP officers and CPS lawyers.

Judith Reed, a senior lawyer with the CPS Organised Crime Division, said:

"The decision to prosecute has been taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. We have determined that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution is in the public interest.

"May I remind all concerned that Mr Rock 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."

CPS statement on hacking trial

Greg McGill, a senior lawyer for the Crown Prosecution Service said:

“This case was not about whether phone hacking took place or whether public officials were paid for information; there are a significant number of recent convictions which show that both did happen.

“This has been a lengthy and complex trial which was required to explore a culture of invading privacy. Despite a number of applications by the defence to have the case thrown out the Judge agreed that the evidence was sufficient for consideration by the jury.

“The jury has found that Andy Coulson, former editor of a national newspaper, conspired with others to hack phones. Others who have admitted their role in this illegal practice - Greg Miskiw, Neville Thurlbeck, James Weatherup, Glenn Mulcaire and Dan Evans – all now face sentencing for phone hacking.

“We respect the verdicts and will inform the court on Monday of our decision on whether to retry the outstanding counts.

“As closely linked criminal proceedings are underway, I have nothing further to add at this time.”