CPS News Brief

Greville Janner to be prosecuted for child sexual offences

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Alison Saunders will now bring criminal proceedings against Greville Janner for child sex offences.

This follows a review of the case under the recently introduced CPS Victims’ Right to Review scheme, which allows victims to have their cases looked at again, no matter who in the CPS made the original decision not to prosecute.

In the past year the scheme has meant that more than 200 prosecutions have been brought that would not have been brought otherwise.

In April this year the DPP decided that there was sufficient evidence to prosecute, meaning that, in her view, if there could be a full criminal trial a jury would be likely to convict Lord Janner. However, the DPP considered that it was not in the public interest to prosecute. This was because there was undisputed medical evidence that Greville Janner was not fit to stand trial which meant there could not be a full criminal trial and he could not therefore be found guilty of any offence and because he was not a danger to the public. It was also in light of the fact that the DPP sought assurances that the complainants would have the opportunity to give their account to the public inquiry led by Justice Goddard which has been set up to look at cases which may have been mis-handled in the past.

Without the compelling medical evidence the DPP has made clear that she would have brought a prosecution.

In May, six of the complainants in this case requested a formal Right to Review, and at the DPP’s request, David Perry QC was instructed to provide advice to inform the CPS review of the decision.

The review concluded that it was in the public interest to bring proceedings before the court.

In reaching that conclusion, the review agreed that although there is sufficient evidence to prosecute, it is right to assume that Greville Janner will inevitably be found unfit to plead and therefore not fit to instruct his legal team and not fit to challenge or give evidence in a trial. Therefore the most likely outcome of a “trial of the facts” would be an absolute discharge, which is neither punishment nor conviction.

Alison Saunders said:

“The Victims’ Right to Review scheme has brought a much needed voice for victims of crime and this review shows that any decision can be reversed, no matter who has made it. It is a scheme I helped to bring in and it is a process I fully support and am not above. I requested a non CPS lawyer to advise on this case so that the review would be seen as fully independent. That was the right thing to do, and was a decision I made in the interests of fairness and maintaining public confidence in the criminal justice system.

“I have always said that in my view this was an extremely difficult and borderline case because of the strong arguments on both sides. I have also always emphasised my concern for the complainants in this case. I understood their need to be heard, which is why I contacted Justice Goddard to ensure that they could give evidence as part of the public inquiry. However, the review has concluded that this forum, albeit a public one, cannot substitute for the adjudication of the courts. I accept the outcome of the review and will now be bringing this prosecution to allow for that adjudication to happen.

“The case is first listed at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 7 August 2015.”

As there are now active criminal proceedings nothing should be said, commented on, or shared online which may prejudice those. It will be a matter for the court to consider if Greville Janner should appear or be excused on medical grounds from attending court.

The CPS has also received a draft of Sir Richard Henriques’ report which the DPP commissioned on the handling and decision making in relation to previous allegations made against Greville Janner in 1991, 2002 and 2007. It is now being finalised, but it is clear that it will confirm the DPP’s view that the CPS decisions in 1991 and 2007 were wrong as well as concluding that the handling of the case previously by both police and prosecutors was unsatisfactory.

The DPP, Alison Saunders, said:

“It is a matter of real regret that prosecutions weren’t brought by the police and CPS in the past.

“We have brought forward this decision as public speculation on this review has brought damaging and unacceptable uncertainty for the complainants in this case. We have now done what we can to inform the complainants of the outcome of the review and I have offered to meet each of them should they wish.”

The DPP has demonstrated her personal commitment to tackling the sexual abuse of children - in 2014 -15 the CPS brought more charges and delivered more convictions than ever before.

 

Notes to editors

Performance figures

1. CPS data records all child abuse cases referred by the police. In 2014-15, the overall number of child abuse prosecutions (sexual and non-sexual) reached 10,045, an increase of 2,047 (25.6%) from 2013-14, the highest volume ever. Of these, the conviction volume rose to 7,469 in 2014-15 from 6,096 in 2013-14 – also the highest volume ever and a rise of 22.5%.

2. Of all the child abuse cases, the prosecution and conviction volumes of sexual offences have also risen. Child abuse sexual offence prosecutions completed in 2014-15 rose from 4,371 to 5,387 – a rise of 23.2%.

3. Successful outcomes for child sexual abuse (CSA) rose from 3,344 to 3,975 – a rise of 18.9%.

 

Charges

1. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Buggery contrary to section 12(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956 PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner, on a day between 16th August 1987 and 19th August 1987 committed buggery with Complainant 1, a child under the age of 16 years (namely 15 years).

2. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Buggery contrary to section 12(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956 PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner, between 21st June 1988 and 2nd August 1988 committed buggery with Complainant 1, a male person aged 16 years without his consent.

3. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Indecent Assault on a Male Person contrary to section 15(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner on a day between 16th August 1987 and 2nd August 1988 indecently assaulted Complainant 1, a boy aged under 16 years.

4. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Indecent Assault on a Male Person contrary to section 15(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner on a day between 21st June 1988 and 2nd August 1988 indecently assaulted Complainant 1, a male aged 16 years.

5. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Indecent Assault on a Male Person contrary to section 15(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner on a day between 13th March 1984 and 27th March 1984 indecently assaulted Complainant 2, a boy under the age of 16 years.

6. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Indecent Assault on a Male Person contrary to section 15(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner on a day between 27th March 1984 and 1st November 1984 indecently assaulted Complainant 2, a male aged 16 years.

7. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Indecent Assault on a Male Person contrary to section 15(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner on a day between 3rd July 1981 and 15th September 1981 indecently assaulted Complainant 3, a boy under the age of 16 years.

8. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Buggery contrary to section 12(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956 PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner, on a day between 3rd July 1981 and 15th September 1981 committed buggery with Complainant 3, a child under the age of 16 years.

9. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Indecent Assault on a Male Person contrary to section 15(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner on a day between the 10th October 1979 and the 7th December 1982 indecently assaulted Complainant 4, a boy under the age of 16 years.

10. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Buggery contrary to section 12(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner, on a day between 22nd August 1985 and 20th September 1987 committed buggery with Complainant 5, a child under the age of 16 years.

11. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Buggery contrary to section 12(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner, on a day between 22nd August 1985 and 20th September 1987 and on an occasion other than in charge 10 committed buggery with Complainant 5, a child under the age of 16 years.

12. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Indecent Assault on a Male Person contrary to section 15(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956 PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner on a day between 22nd August 1985 and 20th September 1987 indecently assaulted Complainant 5, a boy under the age of 16 years.

13. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Indecent Assault on a Male Person contrary to section 15(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner on a day between 22nd August 1985 and 20th September 1987 indecently assaulted Complainant 5, a boy under the age of 16 years

14. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Indecent Assault on a Male Person contrary to section 15(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner on a day between 21st November 1972 and 22nd December 1975 indecently assaulted Complainant 6, a boy under the age of 16 years.

15. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Indecent Assault on a Male Person contrary to section 15(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner on a day between 21st November 1972 and 22nd December 1975 indecently assaulted Complainant 6, a boy under the age of 16 years.

16. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Indecent Assault on a Male Person contrary to section 15(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner on a day between 21st November 1972 and 22nd December 1975 indecently assaulted Complainant 6, a boy under the age of 16 years.

17. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Buggery contrary to section 12(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner, on a day between 21st November 1972 and 22nd December 1975 committed buggery with Complainant 6, a child under the age of 16 years.

18. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Indecent Assault on a Male Person contrary to section 15(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner on a day between 1st April 1985 and 1st April 1988 indecently assaulted Complainant 7, a boy under the age of 16 years.

19. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Indecent Assault on a Male Person contrary to section 15(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner on a day between 1st April 1985 and 1st April 1988 indecently assaulted Complainant 7, a boy under the age of 16 years.

20. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Indecent Assault on a Male Person contrary to section 15(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner on a day between 16th June 1963 and 9th October 1969 indecently assaulted Complainant 8, a boy under the age of 16 years.

21. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Indecent Assault on a Male Person contrary to section 15(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner on a day between 10th October 1969 and 31st January 1970 indecently assaulted Complainant 8, a boy under the age of 16 years.

22. STATEMENT OF OFFENCE Buggery contrary to section 12(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956. PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Lord Greville Janner, on a day between 24th August 1977 and 1st November 1978 committed buggery with Complainant 9.

Trevor Gibbon convicted for the murder of Alison Morrison

Trevor Gibbon, 48, was convicted today at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Alison Morrison, 45. Ms Morrison was fatally stabbed shortly after she left her home on 18 December 2014.

Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London, Baljit Ubhey OBE, said:

“This was a shocking attack on a defenceless woman as she walked from her home in Harrow last year.

“Alison Morrison was on her daily commute to work when her neighbour, Trevor Gibbon, ambushed her. He forced her to the ground, stabbing her repeatedly before he left her for dead. As she lay dying in the street Ms Morrison repeatedly told the strangers trying to help her that Trevor Gibbon was her attacker.

“When he was later arrested Trevor Gibbon described himself as a coward, but today he has been found to be a pre-meditated murderer.

“I hope that this conviction can bring some small comfort to Ms Morrison’s family and friends, our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”

CPS Statement on Lord Brittan

An article on the Exaro News website has wrongly claimed that the CPS has refused to tell the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) whether it had enough evidence to charge the late Lord Brittan in relation to an allegation of non-recent rape.

A CPS spokesperson said:

“At their request, we provided police with early investigative advice on this matter in July 2013 – there was not at this stage enough evidence to request a charging decision and any decisions made at this stage were investigative and operational and therefore for the police.

“Following the suspect’s death earlier this year, the police asked if we would give a view on whether or not the case might have resulted in a prosecution had the suspect still been alive. In order for the CPS to make a full charging decision, it is necessary for the police to fully conclude an investigation and independently reach the conclusion that they have amassed sufficient evidence for a prosecution.

“The decisions in this matter have always been taken by the police. They made a decision to take no further action in 2013 and, despite their later investigations, they were never able to conclude that the evidential test for a full charging decision was met.

“As we had already given early investigative advice, and the state of the case fundamentally remains the same as it was then, we have declined to give another view."

Exaro News has also wrongly claimed that the Director of Public Prosecutions forced the MPS to interview the late Lord Brittan when he was still alive.

A CPS spokesperson said:

“The DPP received a letter from Tom Watson MP in May 2014. The majority of the concerns raised by Mr Watson were operational matters concerning the police. As such, the DPP simply confirmed to Mr Watson that she would forward his correspondence on to the police to address. The CPS has no power to direct the police in operational matters, including the conduct of a criminal investigation, and the decision to interview a suspect is a decision for the police alone.”

Michael D’Costa sentenced to a total of 16 years imprisonment for the sexual abuse of three young girls

Michael D’Costa was sentenced today at Isleworth Crown Court to a total of 16 years imprisonment for a number of sexual offences against three young victims who were aged 10 to 14 years old at the time of the attacks. The offences, including five counts of raping a child under 13 years old, were committed between 2011 and 2014 . D’Costa pleaded guilty to 25 sexual offences on 17^th April 2015.

 

Chief Crown prosecutor for CPS London, Baljit Ubhey OBE, said:

“Michael D’Costa is a dangerous sexual predator who groomed his victims with gifts and affection before subjecting them to repeated sexual abuse.

“He used intimidation and threats to control his victims and recorded the abuse in his diary and on a video camera.

“His documentation of these abhorrent crimes ultimately provided the prosecution team with overwhelming evidence against him, leaving him no choice but to plead guilty.

“I would like to thank the victims in this case for the strength they have showed through the prosecution process and I hope that the sentence passed today will provide them with some small comfort.”

 

Convictions:

 

Victim A

Two counts of Sexual Activity with a Child

One count of rape

Victim B

Two counts of Causing or Inciting a Child under 13 to Engage in Sexual Activity

Three counts of Assault of a Child under 13 by Penetration

Two counts of Attempted Rape of a Child under 13

Five counts of Rape of a Child under 13

Two counts of Rape

Two counts of Sexual Activity with a Child

Victim C

Four counts of Sexual Activity with a Child.

Two counts of Rape

 

Daniel Elliot sentenced to life imprisonment for series of sexual attacks in south London

Daniel Elliott, 24, was sentenced today for a string of rape and sexual assaults in the Carshalton and Wallington area between August and November last year. He received life imprisonment, with a minimum of eight years, at Croydon Crown Court.

Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London, Baljit Ubhey OBE, said: 

“Daniel Elliott committed a series of terrifying sexual attacks on young women in the south London area between August and November 2014.  

“Elliott preyed on the three women at night, attacking them in parks across the area. He used a combination of fear and intimidation, threatening his victims with either a knife or pepper spray before subjecting them to terrifying attacks.

“I would like to thank the victims for their strength and bravery in supporting this prosecution. Their evidence has helped bring Elliott to justice.

“Tackling rape and serious sexual assaults is a key priority for CPS London and we will continue to work closely with our police partners to support victims and bring offenders to justice.”

 

Background

Daniel Elliott was sentenced for the following charges-

 

Two counts of Rape – life imprisonment, with a minimum of 8 years

Assault by penetration – 8 years imprisonment, concurrent

Attempted rape – 8 years imprisonment, concurrent

Sexual Assault – 3 years imprisonment, concurrent

Daniel Elliot sentenced to life imprisonment for series of sexual attacks in south London

Daniel Elliott, 24, was sentenced today for a string of rape and sexual assaults in the Carshalton and Wallington area between August and November last year. He received life imprisonment, with a minimum of eight years, at Croydon Crown Court.

Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London, Baljit Ubhey OBE, said: 

“Daniel Elliott committed a series of terrifying sexual attacks on young women in the south London area between August and November 2014.  

“Elliott preyed on the three women at night, attacking them in parks across the area. He used a combination of fear and intimidation, threatening his victims with either a knife or pepper spray before subjecting them to terrifying attacks.

“I would like to thank the victims for their strength and bravery in supporting this prosecution. Their evidence has helped bring Elliott to justice.

“Tackling rape and serious sexual assaults is a key priority for CPS London and we will continue to work closely with our police partners to support victims and bring offenders to justice.”

 

Background

Daniel Elliott was sentenced for the following charges-

 

Two counts of Rape – life imprisonment, with a minimum of 8 years

Assault by penetration – 8 years imprisonment, concurrent

Attempted rape – 8 years imprisonment, concurrent

Sexual Assault – 3 years imprisonment, concurrent

Andrew Stocker found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter following death of employees in apple farm

Andrew Stocker has been found guilty by a jury of gross negligence manslaughter at Winchester Crown Court.

Piers Arnold, specialist prosecutor at the CPS said:

“This is a tragic case involving two young men, workers on an apple farm in Hampshire, who died of asphyxiation after being sent into an apple storage tank with very low levels of oxygen in order to gather apples for a fruit competition.

“No breathing apparatus was provided to the men, who were expected to hold their breath in the hope that they would not succumb to oxygen deprivation. Mr Stocker was in charge of the pack house where the two men worked and was responsible for encouraging this method of collecting apples. He has today been found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter for the part he played in their deaths.”

 

Extracts from the prosecution opening:

“The Defendant undoubtedly was well aware of the dangers presented by these units when used with a controlled atmosphere. However, perhaps through over confidence or a blasé approach to risk for himself, he had allowed and, by his own conduct, encouraged a bad practice to develop and/or continue over the years by which on occasions workers would enter these units without breathing equipment and in breach of his employer’s safety policy. The practice had even acquired a somewhat boastful tag amongst one or two workers: “scuba diving”;”

…

 “One such occasion when “scuba diving” would be used was in respect of the gathering of samples for an annual national fruit show held down in Kent every February/March.”

 …

 “The Defendant knew full well that the prohibited form of entry would have to be employed in order to gather the appropriate samples yet, notwithstanding his knowledge of the high risk of serious harm/death and notwithstanding the duty of care owed by him to those who worked under his supervision and control, he allowed the risk to be taken.”

…

 “On Monday 18th February 2013 Scott Cain set about his task during the morning. It would appear that he was intending to make his selection from three separate units and to do so over two sessions… He did so by holding his breath and entering the unit itself. He would take a deep breath then duck down into the unit taking with him an empty net into which he would place about 10 apples selected from various stored boxes. He would then re-appear at the hatch, pass the net out to his assistant for him to empty the fruit into a cardboard box before repeating the same process.

“Ashley Clarke duly agreed to help out and he was last seen heading off to what turned out to be unit 3 at around 1pm. As Ashley had never been involved with the storage units, it is perhaps safe to assume that Scott employed the same process as before, namely he entered the unit itself leaving Ashley to stand on the roof of the unit ready to receive the gathered apples;

“It would appear that no-one noticed the prolonged absence of Scott and Ashley until shortly before 3pm. A search of the unit area resulted in the grim discovery of both men lying motionless across the top layer of apple boxes inside unit 3. Despite the efforts of members of staff and the emergency services neither young man could be revived and both men were finally pronounced dead at the scene.”

Woman sentenced for pretending to be a barrister

A former Guildford Borough Councillor has been sentenced to 14 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to forging her qualifications and claiming to be a qualified barrister.

Monika Juneja, who was a councillor until the elections in May 2015, pleaded guilty at a previous hearing at the Old Bailey to three counts of forgery, one charge of obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception and one charge of wilfully pretending to be a barrister. Today she was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service in addition to the suspended sentence.

Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS South East, Jaswant Narwal, said:

“This deception is one that dates back over 14 years and during that time, Monika Juneja never let her academic failings get in the way of what she wanted to achieve. She claimed to be a barrister over many years, despite never having actually qualified or being entitled to call herself a barrister in any context.

“After she first failed to achieve the qualifications she needed to attend law school in London, she forged a letter claiming to be from the University of Greenwich, saying she had achieved the required results. Monika Juneja then failed to pass her Bar exams, but continued her deception by forging another letter from the law school she had attended, stating she had passed.

“These falsified qualifications were used repeatedly on CVs and applications, meaning Monika Juneja was able to gain a variety of jobs, all of which were more highly paid than they otherwise would have been, because of the inaccurate information she gave her potential employers.

“She continued the deception when she stood as a councillor in the May 2011 local elections, referring to herself as a barrister. Constituents complained that she had misrepresented herself, which led to the official investigation and, in the face of overwhelming evidence from the prosecution, she finally admitted her deception.”

 

Youth charged with attempted murder of Bradford teacher

A 14 year old youth has been charged with attempted murder, the CPS announced today. 

The charge arises following an incident on 11 June at Dixons Kings Academy, Bradford, in which a teacher was stabbed. 

Martin Goldman, Chief Crown Prosecutor CPS Yorkshire and Humberside said:

"The Crown Prosecution Service has been working closely with West Yorkshire Police in connection with this case.

"Having carefully considered all of the evidence presented to us, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to charge a 14-year-old youth with attempted murder.

"Accordingly I have today authorised West Yorkshire Police to charge the youth with this offence and he will first appear at Bradford Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

"This defendant has now been charged with a serious criminal offence and 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."

Former Lancashire County cricketer jailed for fraud and money laundering

Former county cricket player, Andrew Hayhurst has yesterday (11th June) been jailed for two years at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court for stealing £107,548 from Lancashire Cricket Board and Lancashire Youth Cricket Charitable Trust between 2006 and 2013. He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to fraud, theft, false accounting, and money laundering offences.

Charlotte Crangle, Senior Crown Advocate, CPS North West said:

“Andrew Hayhurst, who was held in great esteem as an ex-professional cricketer, abused his position of trust within the Lancashire Cricket Board and Lancashire Youth Cricket Charitable Trust over a seven year period to steal a significant amount of money from organisations which help young people in schools and cricket clubs.

“He did not act in the interests of those starting out in the sporting world, which he used to be part of, but instead served to line his own pocket by diverting funds intended to be distributed to local clubs and councils. He paid the cheques into his own bank account for his own personal benefit.

“We worked closely with Greater Manchester Police to build a strong case against Hayhurst which resulted in him pleading guilty to the offences he faced. We will now do all we can to strip Hayhurst of the criminal assets he has obtained.

“This case also sends a clear message to those involved in this kind of criminality that we will robustly prosecute them to ensure that justice is done, and that they will pay not only financially, but with their liberty too.”

34 year old man sentenced to 16 years following UK's first forced marriage conviction

A 34 year old man has today been sentenced to 16 years imprisonment for what is understood to be the first conviction under the new offence of forced marriage which came into effect in June 2014.

The man, from South Wales, also pleaded guilty to four counts of rape, one count of bigamy and one count of voyeurism. The court heard that the man was particularly possessive and controlling of his victim during the time they knew one another.  Between March and September 2014, he repeatedly raped and threatened his victim before forcing her to marry him against her will in an act of bigamy on his behalf.

Forced marriage was criminalised under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. This came into force on 16 June 2014.  

Iwan Jenkins, Head of CPS Wales Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said:

“Forced marriage wrecks lives and destroys families. We hope that today’s sentence sends a strong message that forced marriage will not be tolerated in today’s Britain.

“It is a testament to the strength of the case which we constructed with the police that we secured a guilty plea for the offences in this case.

“The victim has shown great courage and bravery in reporting these matters. This conviction illustrates the seriousness in which these crimes are treated and investigated by the Crown Prosecution Service and South Wales Police. 

“I hope today’s sentence brings some closure for those who have suffered as a result of these particularly nasty and invasive crimes.”

Company Secretary charged with fraud and money laundering

Christopher Watson has been charged in relation to allegations of fraudulent activity undertaken from July 2008 to July 2014.

The allegations concern significant sums of money, in total involving almost £8m, which were electronically transferred from the company accounts to Christopher Watson’s own personal accounts and those of his private business interests. These sums of money were allegedly used to gamble, settle personal debts, and to buy and renovate properties.

John Werhun, specialist lawyer at the CPS said:

“The CPS has authorised the police to charge Christopher Watson with fraud by abuse of position of trust, and six counts of money laundering. Mr Watson was charged today.

“This decision was made in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. After careful consideration it has been decided that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and a prosecution is in the public interest.

“Mr Watson will appear before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on 24 June 2015.

“May I remind all concerned that criminal proceedings have now commenced and the defendant 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.”

 

Details of the charges:

Fraud, contrary to section 1 of the Fraud Act 2006

Six counts of money laundering contrary to section 327(1)(c) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

Response to media articles on HMCPSI/HMIC Report on the Provision of Charging Decisions

Recent articles in the Times and Telegraph have discussed the joint HMCPSI/HMIC Report on the Provision of Charging Decisions which was published last week. This report looked at the efficiency and quality of charging decisions made by both the police and CPS Direct (the CPS’s 24-hour charging service). The joint report acknowledged that the quality of charging has improved, however the report’s many positive findings were not reflected in these newspaper articles, such as the good, detailed feedback given to the police on charging requirements.

CPS Direct is available so that charging decisions can be made 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and over 285,000 decisions are made by CPS Direct annually. This is a vital service, and prosecutors understand that quick and correct charging decisions need to be made at all hours.

However, the report also said the service also relies on good quality police files being passed to the CPS, and a clear understanding of which charging decisions should be made by the police, and which should be made by CPS prosecutors. The HMCPSI/HMIC report identified a lack of clarity in this area particularly involving cases of domestic abuse, and so both the CPS and police agree a review of how the current system works would be a valuable exercise. The CPS welcomes the report, and will continue to strive to provide speedy, efficient and, most importantly, correct charging decisions as required.

51 year sentence for men in Leeds child sexual exploitation case

Four men have today been sentenced at Leeds Crown Court to a total of 51 years for child sexual exploitation.

Tariq Islam (sentenced to 13 years), Nasir Sultan (12 years), Amir Zaman (11 years) and Zafar Iqbal (15 years) were sentenced for committing rape and other sexual offences against a child aged 12 to 14 between May 2010 and September 2012 and were convicted by a jury yesterday.

Also convicted of offences of a sexual nature were Arshid Younis, Abid Younis, Farahk Younis, Junaid Rashid, Shazabe Hussain, Zafar Iqbal and Awais Butt. They will be sentenced at a later date.

Andrew Penhale, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, CPS Yorkshire and Humberside said:

“Ten individuals have been convicted of offences which involve a shocking catalogue of child sexual exploitation. The victim was targeted by older men precisely because of her youth and vulnerability. The offences involved an appalling breach of trust - the victim was groomed and plied with cigarettes, alcohol and drugs to make her compliant. The defendants then showed a complete lack of remorse for their actions, with ten of them claiming throughout the contested trial that the allegations were fabricated, or that they believed the victim to be over 16.

“The victim of these terrible crimes has shown immense courage, not only to make a complaint initially but to then give evidence in a long and complicated trial. The prosecution of these men could not have succeeded without her evidence. We hope that the convictions/sentences handed down today will help her to begin to rebuild her life.

“This was a complex and difficult matter to bring to court and prosecuting it has required extremely detailed and painstaking work. It demonstrates that the use of special measures such as screens or giving evidence over video-links, helps vulnerable victims of even the most horrifying sexual exploitation to give their account before a criminal court.

“The Crown Prosecution Service and West Yorkshire Police have the utmost determination to prosecute sexual abusers of children wherever we are able to and to support victims through the criminal justice process.”