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Prosecuting Homicide

Murder and manslaughter are two of the offences that constitute homicide.

Manslaughter can be committed in one of three ways:

  1. killing with the intent for murder but where there is provocation, diminished responsibility or a suicide pact.
  2. conduct that was grossly negligent given the risk of death, and resulted in death.
  3. conduct, taking the form of an unlawful act involving a danger of some harm, that caused death.

With some exceptions, the crime of murder is committed, where a person:

  • of sound mind and discretion (i.e. sane):
  • unlawfully kills (i.e. not self-defence or other justified killing)
  • any reasonable creature (human being)
  • in being (born alive and breathing through its own lungs)
  • under the Queen's Peace
  • with intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm.

There are other specific homicide offences, for example, infanticide, causing death by dangerous driving, and corporate manslaughter.

Find out more about prosecuting homicide

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

Home » News Centre » Press Releases » CPS authorises Suffolk Police to charge Steven Wright with the murders of five women

CPS authorises Suffolk Police to charge Steven Wright with the murders of five women

22/12/2006

Michael Crimp, Senior Prosecutor for Suffolk Crown Prosecution Service, today made the following statement in relation to the murders of five women in Ipswich:

"Working as part of a team of lawyers overseen by the Chief Crown Prosecutor for Suffolk I was briefed on this case prior to any arrests being made and the entire team has kept in close contact with the police throughout.

"We have been working with officers from Suffolk Constabulary for the last eight days advising on a number of preliminary legal issues both before and after arrest.

"As this case has developed we have been carefully examining and assessing the evidence in order to come to a charging decision at the earliest possible opportunity.

"This evening we have made the decision that there is sufficient evidence and authorised that Steven Wright born on the 24th of April 1958 of London road Ipswich should be charged with the murder of Tania Nicol, Gemma Adams, Anneli Alderton Annette Nicholls and Paula Clennell. We will continue to keep this case under constant review as it develops.

"Mr Wright will be kept in custody to appear before Ipswich Magistrates' court tomorrow.

"At this time I would like to remind you of the need to take care in reporting the events surrounding this case. Steven Wright stands accused of these offences and has the right to a fair trial before a jury.

"It is extremely important that there should be responsible media reporting which should not prejudice the due process of law."