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Decision to Charge

Once the Police have completed their investigations, they will refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service for advice on how to proceed. We will then make a decision on whether a suspect should be charged, and what that charge should be.

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Home » News Centre » Press Releases » CPS Statement: Mr Des Smith

CPS Statement: Mr Des Smith

06/02/2007

The Crown Prosecution Service has today advised the Metropolitan Police that there is insufficient evidence to charge Mr Des Smith with an offence under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925. Mr Smith has been advised of this decision.

Mr Smith's case concerned funding for City Academies. It did not involve allegations concerning loans or donations to political parties. We do not expect any further evidence to come to light relating to him.

Although it is clear that Mr Smith made some indiscreet comments to an undercover journalist, his conversations did not provide evidence that he was trying to obtain funding for City Academies in exchange for honours.

Police enquiries relating to Mr Smith have been completed and the CPS is therefore in a position to take a decision on his case. In such circumstances it is right and appropriate that the individual involved is notified at the earliest opportunity.

We have taken this decision in consultation with Counsel, David Perry QC. The Attorney General's Office has been informed.

Media enquires to CPS Press Office on 020 7796 8105.