CPS News Brief

Carl Ryan charged with 6 counts of misconduct in public office

Sally Walsh, a senior lawyer with the CPS Special Crime Division said:

“The CPS has authorised the Independent Police Complaints Commission to charge Carl Ryan with six separate offences of misconduct in public office.

“It is alleged that between 2010 and 2012, Mr Ryan, who at the time was an officer in the Sapphire unit dealing with rape and sexual assault cases, failed to properly advance the forensic side of investigations on a number of occasions. It is also alleged that Mr Ryan signed the statements of witnesses himself and incorrectly informed a suspect of a decision to prosecute when no such decision had been made.

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

“Mr Ryan will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 July 2014.

"Criminal proceedings have now commenced and Mr Ryan has the 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."

Operation Elveden charging statement

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

"The CPS has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Alan Hagan and to summons a journalist for an offence of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.

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

“Both will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 10 July 2014.

"May I remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against them will now be commenced and of their 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:

Alan Hagan and a journalist, between 18.1.08 and 29.8.10 conspired together to commit misconduct in public office, contrary to section 1 (1) Criminal Law Act 1977.

Rolf Harris convicted

Jenny Hopkins, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS in London, said:

“Rolf Harris used his status and position as a world famous children’s entertainer to sexually assault young girls over a period spanning 18 years.

“The victims in this case have suffered in silence for many years and have only recently found the courage to come forward. I would like to pay tribute to the bravery they displayed in coming to court and giving evidence. That bravery and determination has seen Rolf Harris brought to justice and held to account.

“Each victim, unknown to the others, described a similar pattern of behaviour; that of a man acting without fear of the consequences.

“The prosecution of sexual offences is often difficult and complex, perhaps even more so when the allegations are from some years ago. We will continue to consider cases and wherever there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest, we will work with police and victims to build strong cases which can be put before a court.

“I hope today’s verdict provides other victims with the courage and confidence to come forward no matter who is alleged to have carried out the abuse and when.”