CPS News Brief

Clarification on Tom Watson MP letter

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.”

Bishop Ball sentenced to 32 months imprisonment

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

“Peter Ball has admitted that he abused his power to groom and exploit vulnerable young men. As a Bishop in the Church of England, he was expected to provide spiritual leadership to young people following their faith. Instead, he breached that trust, causing profound and lasting suffering to his victims.

“This was an extraordinarily complex case with several legal challenges mounted by the defence before admitting guilt. The offences of indecent assault and misconduct in public office may have taken place many years ago, but Peter Ball must now face the consequences of his actions.”

The charges are:

• Misconduct in public office between 1977 and 1992
• Indecent assault on a boy, aged 12 or 13, in 1978
• Indecent assault on a man, aged 19 or 20, between 1980 and 1982