CPS News Brief

Clarification of recent reporting in relation to the case of Paul Gambaccini

 

The CPS did not “sit” on a file of evidence against Paul Gambaccini as reported, but made a decision in his case around one month after all the evidence had been received from police on 4 September. While we received initial papers in February 2014 further investigation was necessary in order to properly consider the case.

It is also not right to imply that any decision making was timed in relation to other cases – this would only have been relevant if it had been decided to bring charges which was, of course, not the case in this instance.

Spending almost a year on police bail is of course, difficult, and a matter we do not take lightly, but it is vital that the CPS considers all the evidence in a case – both that which strengthens a case and that which undermines it - so that the right decision can be made, as happened in this case.

This information, along with further detail, has been provided to the Home Affairs Select Committee.

This is the first time that the CPS has used Mr Gambaccini’s name in relation to this case as our firm policy is not to name suspects unless they are charged – unless there are exceptional circumstances.

CPS authorises further charges in relation to death of Becky Watts

The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Avon and Somerset Police to charge a further four people in connection with the death of 16 year old Becky Watts.

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

“Having carefully reviewed all the evidence presented to me by Avon and Somerset police, I have today authorised them to charge Karl Demetrius, Jaydene Parsons, Donavon Demetrius and James Ireland with assisting an offender. The defendants remain in custody and are due before Bristol Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.

“I must remind you that 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 CPS has worked closely with Det Supt Tunks and her team within the Avon and Somerset police during this complex investigation and will continue to do so until this prosecution is concluded.”