Advanced Search

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.

Find out more about how we decide whether to charge a suspect

Find out more about private prosecutions

Crimes involving young people

Young people as victims and witnesses

Being a victim or a witness to a crime is not easy, but we work hard to bring offenders to justice. Throughout the justice process we will support young victims and witnesses and treat them with dignity.

Find out more about how we support young victims and witnesses

Youth crime

The Crown Prosecution Service acts in partnership with other agencies such as the police, the youth justice board, children's services, courts and youth offending teams. Each area of the CPS has a youth justice specialist who oversees the prosecution of youth crime in their area.

Find out more about how we prosecute youth crime

Home » News Centre » Press Releases » CPS decision on new evidence in Jessie James shooting

CPS decision on new evidence in Jessie James shooting

24/09/2007

Greater Manchester Crown Prosecution Service has reviewed the new evidence relating to the shooting of teenager Jessie James and has decided that there is not enough evidence to charge anyone in connection with his murder on the evidence so far.

An inquest into Jessie's death was adjourned last month by Manchester Coroner Nigel Meadows to allow the police to make further inquiries after a new witness came forward. Two men were arrested and questioned by police on suspicion of murder.

Reviewing lawyer John Lord, head of Greater Manchester CPS Complex Casework Unit, said: "I have considered the evidence provided by the police after a new witness came forward at the inquest and re-read the material already submitted.

"In deciding whether someone should be charged with an offence there has to be sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and if there is, we then consider whether it is in the public interest for a case to go ahead.

"Having reviewed all the evidence given to me, I have decided on the evidence provided so far that it is insufficient for a realistic prospect of conviction and does not justify the charging of either suspect in connection with Jessie's murder.

"Given the ongoing investigation, it would not be right to go into any details of the evidence which the police have gathered. All I am prepared to say is that aside from a question of admissibility in relation to one of those arrested, there are serious contradictions and inconsistencies contained in the latest evidence which would undermine a prosecution based upon that material.

"If further evidence comes to light which changes this, then I would review this decision."

The Coroner has been informed of the CPS decision so that the inquest into Jessie's death can now be resumed.

For further information contact CPS Press Office on 020 7796 8180.