CPS used new evidence for Damilola convictions

09/08/2006

At the end of a six week retrial, a jury at the Old Bailey today convicted Ricky and Danny Preddie, of manslaughter charges relating to the death of ten-year-old Damilola Taylor in 2000. The brothers were aged 13 and 12 at the time.

The case was prosecuted by the Special Casework Unit of CPS London. Reviewing lawyer, Tony Connell, said: "We are all pleased to have been able to provide justice to the parents, family and friends of Damilola Taylor. They have borne the dreadful suffering since the death of this fine young man with immense strength and we have all been grateful for their support throughout this case.

"This was a very difficult and complex case to prosecute, involving many thousands of pages of evidence and unused material. The CPS was first asked to advise the police pre-charge in late 2004. Since then, all those involved in the prosecution team - the police, prosecution counsel, caseworker Les Chasler and myself - have worked very hard to ensure the jury could reach fully informed verdicts."

Although there were no eyewitnesses to the crime, the prosecution was able to prove the defendants' guilt by forensic and confessional evidence, most of which had come to light as a result of a complete reinvestigation of the case after the conclusion of the 2002 trial.

Notes to Editors

Media enquires to CPS press office on 020 7710 6088.