CPS advises charges following horse racing probe
03/07/2006
The Crown Prosecution Service has advised the City of London Police that a number of individuals be charged with offences relating to an alleged conspiracy to fix the outcome of horse races and money laundering, for periods between December 2002 and September 2004.
The advice follows a detailed review of evidence by a lawyer from the CPS Special Crime Division, working with City of London Police throughout. The City of London Police contacted the CPS in July 2004 and the first arrests were in September 2004. This was necessarily a protracted investigation in view of the need to obtain crucial evidence from a large number of sources. Among other material, the CPS has had to examine just under 40,000 pages of paper evidence. In February and June 2006, Mr Fallon's solicitors provided written representations to the CPS, which required the bail date to be extended to July. With interviews taking place as recently as the last two weeks, the CPS was able to make its decision in the last week of June.
Leading Counsel appointed to conduct this case for the CPS is Jonathan Caplan QC of 5 Paper Buildings. The defendants will initially appear at City of London Magistrates' Court and the case is likely to be sent to either Southwark Crown Court, or the Central Criminal Court.
The case is likely to be split into three linked trials and as such, reporting restrictions may be applied for to protect subsequent proceedings. The first of these trials is not likely to start before spring 2007.
The media is advised that proceedings are now active for the purposes of contempt.
Notes to Editors
- Media enquiries to CPS Press Office on 020 7710 6088 or 020 7796 8127.
- City of London Police Press Office contacts: Orna Joseph on 0207 601 2285 and Catriona Mackie 0207 601 2258.
