CPS News Brief

CPS authorises charges in relation to death of Becky Watts

The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Avon and Somerset Police to charge a 28-year-old man with the murder of 16 year old Becky Watts.

Rachael Scott, head of the CPS South West Complex Casework Unit said:

“The CPS has been in close contact with Avon and Somerset police as their extensive investigation into Becky’s disappearance developed. In particular I have been offering advice and guidance to the police since two people were arrested on Saturday.

"My role is to examine the evidence that is currently available and advise the police in respect of charges.

"Having carried out a detailed review of the evidence gathered by Avon and Somerset Police, my conclusion is that there is sufficient evidence to charge Nathan Matthews with the murder of Becky Watts.

"I have also concluded that there is sufficient evidence to charge Shauna Hoare with attempting to pervert the course of justice.

"I have therefore today authorised Avon and Somerset police to charge them with these offences and they will appear before Bristol Magistrates' Court tomorrow morning.

"Proceedings are now ongoing and the defendants have the right to a fair trial. It is very important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

The four men and one woman who were arrested on Monday on suspicion of assisting an offender remain in police custody at this time.

Polly Chowdhury and Kiki Muddar convicted of manslaughter

Polly Chowdhury and Kiki Muddar were convicted today at the Central Criminal Court of the manslaughter of eight-year-old Ayesha Ali. Ayesha was Polly Chowdhury’s daughter and lived with her mother and Kiki Muddar in a flat in Romford.

Baljit Ubhey, CPS London Chief Crown Prosecutor, said: 

"Ayesha Ali died in her own home and was found to have more than 50 injuries to her body, including the head injury which caused her death. This is a place where she should have felt safe and loved but instead it was where she ultimately lost her young life.

"The manipulation and hatred directed towards Ayesha led to her being beaten and tormented for a number of months. The evidence showed that Ayesha was scared and intimidated in her own home.  

"Chowdhury and Muddar have now been brought to justice for this despicable crime."