Archived Press Releases

Date

Outline

19/01/2012

CPS announces appointments to new Advocate Panels

The anxious wait is over today for barristers and solicitors from around England and Wales who applied to join the new Crown Prosecution Service Advocate Panel.

06/12/2011

Sir Christopher Rose's Report Published into Ratcliffe-on-Soar cases

Ratcliffe-on-Soar report finds that CPS did not deliberately withhold information in prosecution case

06/12/2011

CPS Prosecution College Team picks up 2011 e-Learning Age Gold Winner Award

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) triumphed at the global Learning Awards event, which was attended by nearly 500 people and attracted entries from 20 countries. The gala evening, held at the Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square in London's Mayfair on 10 November, saw 16 award categories producing a record 39 winners all showcasing the strength, range and quality of e-learning.

22/11/2011

Successful prosecutions for violence against women and girls up by 6,500 cases in 2010-11

The Crown Prosecution Service is successfully prosecuting more cases than ever of offences of violence against women and girls.

14/10/2011

Court officer admits taking bribe in first prosecution under Bribery Act

A former magistrates' court administrative officer has today admitted taking a £500 bribe to "get rid" of a speeding charge. This is the first prosecution and conviction under the Bribery Act 2010.

07/09/2011

Crown Prosecution Service to strengthen support to victims of Female Genital Mutilation

"The justification for the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is often cited as a tradition, an initiation into adulthood or a religious practice. It is in fact, a serious crime which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment." says Manjula Nayee, Senior Policy Advisor at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

06/09/2011

Margaret Moran faces 21 charges in relation to parliamentary expenses claims

Keir Starmer QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, today announced that Margaret Moran, former Member of Parliament for Luton South, has been summonsed to appear at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on 19 September 2011 to face 21 charges in relation to claims she made for parliamentary expenses.

02/09/2011

CPS statement on Rebecca Leighton

The Crown Prosecution Service has decided that it is no longer appropriate to continue the case against Rebecca Leighton, charged with criminal damage intending to endanger life following unexplained deaths at Stepping Hill Hospital, Greater Manchester.

31/08/2011

Court employee faces first prosecution under Bribery Act

The Crown Prosecution Service has decided that Munir Yakub Patel should be prosecuted under the Bribery Act 2010 in relation to allegations of misconduct during his employment at Redbridge Magistrates' Court, Ilford, London. He is the first person to be prosecuted under the new Act.

05/08/2011

Company director to face manslaughter charge for death of Meg Burgess

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has decided that George Collier should be charged with gross negligence manslaughter in relation to the death of Meg Burgess on 26 July 2008 in Prestatyn, Wales.

13/07/2011

DPP announces details of independent inquiry into Ratcliffe-on-Soar cases

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, has asked retired High Court judge Sir Christopher Rose to conduct the independent inquiry into issues arising out of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station protest cases.

07/07/2011

Individuals who retract a rape allegation from fear are protected from prosecution by new CPS guidance

"Rape and domestic violence victims should be confident in reporting abuse without fear of prosecution if they are later pressured into retracting the allegation, following the publication of new CPS guidance today," said Keir Starmer QC, the Director of Public Prosecutions.

06/07/2011

DPP responds to Louise Casey report with enhanced service to bereaved families

The Crown Prosecution Service is extending its service for bereaved families at court, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, has announced.

18/04/2011

DPP invites Defence to appeal convictions of Ratcliffe on Soar protestors

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, has written to the legal representatives of 20 protestors convicted of conspiracy to commit aggravated trespass after a protest at Ratcliffe on Soar power station, inviting them to appeal the convictions.

12/04/2011

DPP: Prosecutors and police must protect women in the home

Women in England and Wales are still more at risk of crime in their own homes than anywhere else, the Director of Public Prosecutions said in a speech today entitled 'Domestic Violence: the facts, the issues, the future'.

08/04/2011

CPS decides no prosecution of BT and Phorm for alleged interception of browsing data

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has decided not to consent to a request from an individual to begin a prosecution of BT Group Plc and Phorm Inc in relation to alleged unlawful interception of internet browsing data.

31/03/2011

CPS opens Advocate Panels application scheme

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is today launching a new scheme for the delivery of prosecution services in court. All advocates undertaking prosecution work in the Crown Court (and Higher Courts) from October must be members of new, quality-controlled CPS Advocate Panels.

30/03/2011

Bribery Act: CPS/SFO Prosecution Guidance Published

Today, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Keir Starmer QC, and the Director of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Richard Alderman, issued joint guidance for prosecutors on the Bribery Act 2010.

21/03/2011

Prosecution of Philip Woolas not in public interest

Former MP Philip Woolas will not be prosecuted in relation to statements he made about an opponent during the 2010 General Election in Oldham East and Saddleworth.

15/03/2011

CPS decides two London clergymen should be charged over sham marriages

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has today authorised the UK Border Agency's London Immigration Crime Team to charge two Church of England clergy with conspiring to facilitate unlawful immigration.

11/03/2011

CPS stops prosecution for 1987 killing of Daniel Morgan

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has decided that the prosecution of three men for the killing of private detective Daniel Morgan in 1987 cannot continue.

02/03/2011

DPP says prosecuting disability hate crime is "the next frontier" for the Criminal Justice System

Prosecutors are 'still in the foothills' when it comes to prosecuting disability hate crime, the DPP Keir Starmer QC said today (Wednesday ) in a speech to Sussex Law School's 'Issues in Criminal Justice’ series at the University of Sussex.

28/02/2011

CPS decision on Atherstone fire deaths: Three fire service managers face charges of manslaughter

Three Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service managers will face charges of manslaughter by gross negligence for the deaths of four firefighters in a warehouse in Atherstone-on-Stour in 2007, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has decided.

28/02/2011

Airline worker found guilty of terrorism offences

Rajib Karim, a software engineer for British Airways (BA), was found guilty today at Woolwich Crown Court of involvement in preparing a "chilling plan" to blow up a passenger plane.

15/02/2011

Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings convicted of first corporate manslaughter charge under new Act

Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings has today become the first company to be convicted of the new offence of corporate manslaughter.

10/02/2011

Retracting rape and domestic violence allegations: CPS launches public consultation

Individuals who retract truthful allegations of rape or domestic violence out of fear are less likely to be prosecuted under proposed new guidance for prosecutors on the offence of perverting the course of justice, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, said today. But individuals who make malicious false allegations should know they risk prosecution, he said.

04/02/2011

Three Pakistan cricketers and agent face corruption and cheating charges

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised charges of conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments and also conspiracy to cheat against Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif, Salman Butt and Mazhar Majeed.

28/01/2011

Five men charged in first prosecution for stirring up hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation

Five men have now been charged with stirring up hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation, in the first prosecution of its kind since legislation came into force in March 2010.

26/01/2011

CPS opens specialist Appeals Unit

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has established a specialist Appeals Unit that will take on new cases in the appeal courts, including all work involving the Criminal Cases Review Commission and Unduly Lenient Sentences.

14/01/2011

DPP announcement on phone hacking

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, has today agreed that the Crown Prosecution Service will conduct a comprehensive assessment of all material in the possession of the Metropolitan Police Service relating to phone hacking, following developments in the civil courts.

06/01/2011

CPS publishes guidance on Non-Accidental Head Injury cases involving children

Updated guidance for prosecutors on dealing with Non-Accidental Head Injury (NAHI) cases involving children, formerly known as "Shaken Baby Syndrome" cases, has been published today by the Crown Prosecution Service.

26/12/2010

Nine charged with conspiracy to cause explosions in the UK

Nine men have tonight been charged with conspiracy to cause explosions in the UK, and with terrorism offences.

23/12/2010

Christopher Killick convicted of historic sexual offences

Alison Saunders, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London, said:

22/12/2010

CPS decides no charges can be brought against members of Enfield Crime Squad

The Crown Prosecution Service has today decided that no charges will be brought against any member of the Enfield Crime Squad after allegations that they assaulted and abused suspects and mis-appropriated their property.

20/12/2010

CPS advises prosecution of customs officer for public justice offences

The Crown Prosecution Service has advised the Independent Police Complaints Commission that customs officer Paul Cook should be prosecuted for misconduct in public office and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

16/12/2010

DPP announces measures to strengthen rape prosecutions

"Rape victims deserve justice and I am determined that we will deliver it," Keir Starmer QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, said today

13/12/2010

Mark Weston guilty of murder of Vikki Thompson

Mark Weston was found guilty of the murder of Vikki Thompson in 1995 today at Reading Crown Court. This follows a second trial, which was granted on the basis of scientific evidence, uncovered 13 years after he was acquitted of the same offence.

03/12/2010

Husband guilty of murdering Sunrise radio receptionist

"The murder of Geeta Aulakh by her husband was a vindictive and despicable crime," said Moya Reed, senior lawyer for the Crown Prosecution Service in London, after Harpreet Aulakh was sentenced to a minimum of 28 years imprisonment today at the Old Bailey for the murder of his wife.

24/11/2010

Men convicted in shocking sex abuse case

Five men have been convicted of a string of sexual offences against young, vulnerable teenage girls and women in a case described as one of 'shocking and persistent abuse' by Crown Prosecution Service lawyer Samantha Shallow. Three other men were found guilty of related offences.

24/11/2010

Child killer, 77 years, convicted of raping girl in 1970s

Edward Campbell, a 77-year-old man from London who killed three of his children in 1974, has today been convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court of sexually abusing a girl between 1963 and 1973.

24/11/2010

Doctor faces charge over death in police cell

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised a charge of gross negligence manslaughter against Dr Hisham El-Baroudy, a former forensic medical examiner, in relation to a death in police custody in 2009.

17/11/2010

CPS decision on Witness B

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer, QC, has today issued the following statement.

15/11/2010

Conviction for uploading racist videos to YouTube

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has successfully prosecuted a man for distributing racially inflammatory recordings after he uploaded racist video clips to the video-sharing website YouTube. Gareth Hemingway pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court to five offences under section 21(1) of the Public Order Act 1986 and was sentenced to 15 months in prison.

18/10/2010

Tracy Dawber's conviction brings shocking paedophile case to a close

The retrial of Tracy Dawber brings to an end the prosecution of one of the most shocking child abuse rings in the country, said Ann Reddrop, the Crown Prosecution Service lawyer who dealt with all the cases.

23/09/2010

CPS introduces "ground-breaking" legal guidance on stalking

For the first time victims of stalking have had their ordeal recognised in official government guidance. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has today published revised guidance on stalking and harassment. It emphasises the existence and widespread nature of 'stalking' as a particular category of harassment and it identifies the various ways in which stalking occurs.

16/09/2010

Former Essex cricketer charged with fraud

The Crown Prosecution Service Central Fraud Group has authorised a charge of conspiracy to defraud against former Essex County cricketer Mervyn Westfield.

14/09/2010

Ray Gosling admits wasting police time over TV confession

The guilty plea today by Ray Gosling shows he now accepts that he put Nottinghamshire Police to a lot of unnecessary effort investigating a fake allegation of murder, said Crown Prosecution Service senior lawyer Simon Clements.

06/09/2010

CPS Counter Terrorism Division wins top international award

The Counter Terrorism Division of the Crown Prosecution Service has been given a Special Achievement Award by the International Association of Prosecutors for its work on the Airline Bomb Plot and other cases.

20/08/2010

CPS advises Ray Gosling be prosecuted for wasting police time

The Special Crime Division of the Crown Prosecution Service has advised Nottinghamshire Police that television presenter Ray Gosling should be prosecuted for wasting police time. Mr Gosling was served with a summons for that offence today.

12/08/2010

Four police officers to face charge of causing actual bodily harm to Babar Ahmad

The Crown Prosecution Service has decided that four officers of the Metropolitan Police Service's Territorial Support Group should be charged with causing actual bodily harm to Babar Ahmad during his arrest on 2 December 2003.

09/08/2010

Trio sentenced for £4.6M mortgage fraud

Three people were sentenced today to almost ten years imprisonment in total for defrauding mortgage providers of £4.6 million in a fraud that Crown Prosecution Service lawyer Stephen Rowland described as remarkable for its "sheer scale and effectiveness".

30/07/2010

Kautilya Pruthi to face 30 fraud charges

The Crown Prosecution Service Central Fraud Group has authorised charges against Kautilya Nandan Pruthi in relation to an alleged Ponzi scheme.

29/07/2010

CPS launches consultation on human trafficking public policy

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) today began a public consultation on its Public Policy Statement on Human Trafficking.

28/07/2010

Jonathan Vass charged with murder of Jane Clough

The Crown Prosecution Service in Lancashire has today authorised that Jonathan Vass should be charged with the murder of Jane Clough, his former partner.

22/07/2010

No charges over death of Ian Tomlinson

Keir Starmer QC, the Director of Public Prosecutions, announced today that no charges will be brought in relation to the death of Ian Tomlinson at the 'G20 protests' in London on 1 April 2009.

16/07/2010

Lord Taylor of Warwick faces six charges of false accounting

Keir Starmer QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, today announced that John David Beckett Taylor, known as Lord Taylor of Warwick, has been summonsed to appear at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday 13 August to face six charges in relation to claims for parliamentary expenses.

14/07/2010

CPS lawyer admits serious offences in breach of trust

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, said that Crown Prosecution Service lawyer Sarfraz Ibrahim had disgraced the service through a serious breach of trust after he admitted charges of corruption, misconduct and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

08/07/2010

Three men linked to liquid bomb plot guilty of conspiracy to murder

Today's convictions of Ibrahim Savant, Arafat Waheed Khan and Waheed Zaman are the culmination of years of determined work by the CPS and police, and brings to 12 the number of those successfully prosecuted following the arrests in relation to the liquid bomb plot, said Sue Hemming, head of the Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division.

25/06/2010

Michael Heaton and Trevor Hannington convicted

Michael Heaton and Trevor Hannington faced serious charges of soliciting to murder for their roles in the far-right extremist group Aryan Strike Force (ASF), said Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division lawyer Stuart Laidlaw.

25/06/2010

No charges following death of Raymond Cutkelvin

Keir Starmer QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, has today said that while there is sufficient evidence to prosecute Alan Cutkelvin Rees and Dr Michael Irwin in relation to the death of Raymond Cutkelvin at a Dignitas clinic in Switzerland in February 2007, such a prosecution would not be in the public interest and no further action should be taken against them.

21/06/2010

CPS publishes guidance on prosecuting Medicines Act offences where a dispensing error has occurred

The Crown Prosecution Service has today published Legal Guidance to Crown Prosecutors on the prosecution of offences in the Medicines Act 1968, including where there has been a dispensing error by a pharmacist. This Legal Guidance has been agreed in consultation with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Department of Health (DH).

24/05/2010

Assisted suicide charge not in the public interest

No charge will be brought against Michael Bateman in relation to the death of his wife Margaret on 20 October 2009. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) today decided there was sufficient evidence to charge Mr Bateman with aiding or abetting a suicide, but it would not be in the public interest to do so.

19/05/2010

Eric Illsley MP charged with three offences of false accounting

Keir Starmer QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, today announced that Eric Illsley MP has been summonsed to appear at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on 17 June 2010 to face three charges in relation to claims for parliamentary expenses.

14/05/2010

Far right extremist father and son convicted of terrorism offences

County Durham father Ian Davison is the first man in England and Wales to be convicted of a terrorism-related offence involving the fatal poison Ricin, said Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division lawyer Stuart Laidlaw.

31/03/2010

Four armed robbers found guilty in first trial without jury

Portia Ragnauth, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Surrey Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) described the first trial without a jury in England and Wales as a "benchmark prosecution" after four men were found guilty today over the 2004 armed robbery of the Menzies World Cargo depot at Heathrow Airport.

29/03/2010

Crown Prosecution Service Statement on Wahleed Hussain

The Crown Prosecution Service has decided not to proceed with the retrial of Wahleed Hussain, who stood trial last year alongside his uncles for an attack on burglar Walid Salem near their home in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

25/03/2010

Core Quality Standards to become the focus for the CPS

Today, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, issued the first set of Core Quality Standards for the Crown Prosecution Service.

19/03/2010

No charges following deaths of Sir Edward and Lady Downes

The Crown Prosecution Service has decided that, while there is sufficient evidence to charge Caractacus Downes with an offence of assisting the suicide of his parents, Sir Edward and Lady Joan Downes, it is not in the public interest to do so.

16/03/2010

Head of CPS London plans to turn service around

The new head of the Crown Prosecution Service in London has set in place plans to improve the service CPS London provides to victims and witnesses in the capital.

12/03/2010

Charging decision regarding Baroness Uddin

Keir Starmer QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, today announced that there will be no charges in relation to Baroness Uddin's claims for parliamentary expenses.

05/03/2010

Wife of "aircraft bomb" plotter acquitted of failure to disclose husband's plans

The wife of one of the ringleaders of the Aircraft bomb plot has been acquitted of keeping his suicide attack plans from the police.

25/02/2010

DPP publishes assisted suicide policy

The public can have full confidence in the policy the CPS will follow in deciding whether or not to prosecute cases of assisted suicide, Keir Starmer QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, said today.

22/02/2010

New Code for Crown Prosecutors issued

Keir Starmer QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, today issued a clarified and updated edition of The Code for Crown Prosecutors (the Code).

17/02/2010

Teenager admits incitement to racial hatred over YouTube videos

A 17-year-old youth has pleaded guilty to two charges of inciting racial hatred after he posted hate-filled videos on YouTube in what the Crown Prosecution Service says is the first case of its kind in England and Wales.

02/02/2010

CPS decides no charges following the death of Jane Hodge

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has decided there is insufficient evidence to bring charges against any individual in relation to the death of Jane Hodge on 17 June 2009.

29/01/2010

Robert Cusworth sentenced for murder of Sally Garwood in Aylesbury

Robert Cusworth has today been sentenced to life imprisonment at Reading Crown Court for the murder of Sally Garwood, a 34 year old teaching assistant, in Aylesbury on 11 July 2009. He will serve a minimum tariff of 20 years' imprisonment.

28/01/2010

Charging decision regarding Crowthorne stabbing incident

Thames Valley Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has decided that no charges will be brought against a man who stabbed a youth who it is alleged assaulted his stepson at his home in Crowthorne, Berkshire, on 24 July 2009.

15/01/2010

Terence Gavan sentenced for explosives, firearms and terrorism offences

Terence Gavan was sentenced to a total of 11 years imprisonment today after pleading guilty to 22 charges involving explosives, firearms and terrorism offences. He had what Crown Prosecution Service reviewing lawyer Stuart Laidlaw described as "a significant arsenal of weapons with frightening potential".

14/01/2010

Henry Redknapp charged with cheating the public revenue

Henry (Harry) Redknapp, the former football manager of Portsmouth City Football Club, has today been charged with two counts of cheating the public revenue.

12/01/2010

Milan Mandaric charged with cheating the public revenue

Milan Mandaric, the former chairman of Portsmouth City Football Club, has today been charged with two counts of cheating the public revenue following a decision by the CPS Revenue and Customs Division.

17/12/2009

Father convicted of 1999 'honour' killing of his daughter

Following an eleven week trial, Mehmet Goren was convicted today at the Central Criminal Court of murdering his 15 year old daughter, schoolgirl Tulay Goren on 7 January 1999.

16/12/2009

CPS report shows rise in successful hate crime prosecutions

The Crown Prosecution Service's (CPS) second annual Hate Crime Report, published today, shows convictions for hate crimes have risen by eight per cent to 82 per cent in four years.

15/12/2009

CPS delivers justice for more victims of domestic violence

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has brought more prosecutions against perpetrators of domestic violence and secured more guilty pleas and convictions for the third year running.

15/12/2009

Vanessa George and Angela Allen sentenced

Little Ted's Nursery worker Vanessa George was today sentenced with Angela Allen for sharing shocking images of child abuse and sexually assaulting some of the children in her care.

11/12/2009

2000 responses as assisted suicide consultation comes to a close

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, has today called for final contributions to his public consultation on his interim policy for prosecutors in respect of cases of assisted suicide.

30/11/2009

DPP sets out prosecuting core standards for the first time

The standard of work expected of public prosecutors, at every stage of the prosecution process, is being published today for consultation for the first time.

27/11/2009

CPS charging announcement: Former cleaner charged

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has today authorised the UK Border Agency to charge Otolose Loloahi Tapui with possession of a false identity document (passport), fraud by false representation and overstaying leave to remain in the UK.

20/11/2009

CPS no longer seeking special verdict in case of Brian Thomas

Following expert evidence from a psychiatrist in the case of Brian Thomas, where a jury was being asked to consider the unusual issue of insane automatism - a sleep disorder known as "night terror" - the Crown Prosecution Service has decided to pursue this case no further.

19/11/2009

Charging decision: Harriet Harman MP

The Crown Prosecution Service has decided there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to prosecute the Rt Hon Harriet Harman MP for the offences of driving without due care and attention and driving whilst using a hand-held mobile telephone in relation to an incident on 3 July 2009 in Peckham, London.

10/11/2009

CPS and ACPO announce charging developments

The Crown Prosecution Service and Association of Chief Police Officers today announced the development of a nationwide programme to roll-out a successful CPS telephone charging advice service for police.

02/11/2009

DPP sets out what is expected of public prosecutors

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer, QC, has today published a Statement of Ethical Principles, setting out what is expected of public prosecutors in England and Wales.

27/10/2009

CPS decides charges following death of Tyler Juett

The Crown Prosecution Service's Complex Casework Unit for the East Midlands has decided a man who stabbed two burglars he disturbed in his mother's home - one of them 17 year old Tyler Juett who later died from his injury - should be charged with murder and wounding with intent

26/10/2009

Natasha Wins Coveted CPS Scholarship

A forced marriage expert has been named as this year's recipient of the coveted Crown Prosecution Service Anthony Walker Law Scholarship.

26/10/2009

Disability Hate Crime Conference

A conference in Hertfordshire next week will aim to raise awareness of disability hate crime, and find out how the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and police can better handle cases.

21/10/2009

DPP Defends Human Rights Act At Annual Lecture

The Director of Public Prosecutions has mounted a robust defence of the Human Rights Act at the Public Prosecution Service Annual Lecture.

19/10/2009

CPS consults on changes to prosecution principles

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has today launched a 12 week public consultation on important changes to the Code for Crown Prosecutors - the document that sets out the principles which prosecutors must follow when they decide whether or not to prosecute an individual.

09/10/2009

CPS moves closer to electronic case file

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has today taken a major step towards electronic case files by signing two contract extensions that will bring new technology to staff, allowing them to access case information wherever and whenever they need it.

23/09/2009

DPP publishes interim policy on prosecuting assisted suicide

Launching his interim policy on prosecuting cases of assisted suicide today, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, called for public participation in a 12-week consultation on the factors he has identified which will be taken into account when considering whether prosecutions will be brought for this offence.

18/09/2009

Charging decision regarding shooting of Mark Saunders

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has decided that no charges will be brought against any of the Metropolitan Police Service officers involved in the fatal shooting of the barrister Mark Saunders in West London on 6 May 2008.

11/09/2009

DPP announces decision on "aircraft bomb" plot retrial

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer, QC, has decided to seek a retrial of three defendants in the "aircraft bomb" plot after a jury was unable to reach verdicts on these men.

07/09/2009

"Aircraft bomb" plotters guilty of conspiracy to murder

Following a six-month retrial, three men, Abdulla Ahmed Ali, Assad Sarwar and Tanvir Hussain, were today convicted at Woolwich Crown Court of conspiracy to murder in the "aircraft bomb" plot. Sue Hemming, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division, described the plot as "calculated and sophisticated" and one which could have killed hundreds of people. Another man was convicted of conspiracy to murder without being aware that the targets were aircraft.

03/09/2009

Two boys plead guilty to violent offences against other children

At Sheffield Crown Court today, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) accepted guilty pleas from two boys accused of violent offences against other children in Edlington, near Doncaster. They had been charged with the attempted murder of two other boys.

13/08/2009

CPS updates its policy to tackle robustly Football Hooliganism

Anyone receiving a Football Banning Order this season will not be able to actively support England and Wales if they qualify for the World Cup finals in South Africa next year, said Nick Hawkins, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and the CPS lead on football matters.

03/08/2009

Victims and witnesses with mental health issues or a learning disability should have access to justice, says DPP

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has published two new public policy statements to explain how it will deal with cases involving victims and witnesses who have mental health issues or a learning disability to ensure they have access to justice.

31/07/2009

DPP announces new head of Fraud Prosecution Division

Keir Starmer QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, today announced Gregor McGill as the new Head of the Fraud Prosecution Division, the specialist team within the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dedicated to prosecuting fraud-related offences.

23/07/2009

DPP's plan for a fair, fearless and effective public prosecution service

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer, QC, has today published his plan for taking forward the public prosecution service, at the heart of the criminal justice service.

17/07/2009

Isa Ibrahim guilty of terrorism and explosives offences

Following Isa Ibrahim's conviction at Winchester Crown Court today for possessing explosives and a terrorism offence, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Counter Terrorism lawyer Moira Macmillan said: "As part of this investigation, the police spent thousands of hours painstakingly reconstructing Isa Ibrahim's computer and internet activity in the months leading up to his arrest.

16/07/2009

DPP’s findings in relation to ‘phone hacking’

A statement by Keir Starmer QC, Director of Public Prosecutions:

15/07/2009

Neil Lewington convicted of terrorism and explosives offences

Neil Lewington, who was convicted today at the Central Criminal Court of terrorism and explosives offences, was on the point of carrying out a campaign of terrorism in the UK against those he regarded as 'non-British', said Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division reviewing lawyer Bethan David.

03/07/2009

Drax Power Station protestors committed criminal act not peaceful demonstration

Twenty-seven protestors who stopped a train delivering coal to Drax Power Station in Yorkshire committed a well planned and executed crime, not a peaceful demonstration about the environment, said Chief Crown Prosecutor for North Yorkshire, Rob Turnbull.

25/06/2009

CPS announces first advocacy assessment system

A national system of advocacy assessment was announced today by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC. In an update on the progress of the CPS Advocacy Strategy, he also released the first detailed figures showing the savings the strategy has produced.

05/06/2009

Joint statement on alleged misuse of parliamentary expenses

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) today issued the following statement relating to allegations of misuse of parliamentary expenses.

21/05/2009

Charging decision regarding Metropolitan Police officer (Jamshid) Ali Dizaei

The Crown Prosecution Service has today advised the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) that there is sufficient evidence to charge (Jamshid) Ali Dizaei with misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice in relation to events that took place on Friday 18 July 2008.

15/05/2009

Joint statement on alleged misuse of parliamentary expenses

A joint statement has been issued today by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) relating to allegations of misuse of parliamentary expenses.

07/05/2009

CPS decides no charges over Labour Party donations

The Crown Prosecution Service has today advised all concerned parties that there is insufficient evidence to charge anyone with any offences in relation to the incorrect declaration of donations to the Labour Party.

28/04/2009

Jury acquits 3 men of conspiracy with the 7/7 bombers but 2 men guilty of terrorist training

Waheed Ali, Sadeer Salim and Mohammed Shakil were today found not guilty of conspiracy to cause an explosion. The Crown Prosecution Service’s case was that the men conspired together and with Mohammed Siddique Khan, Shehzad Tanweer, Jermaine Lindsay, Hasib Hussain and others in the months leading up to the bombings in London on 7 July 2005.

23/04/2009

CPS advises first corporate manslaughter charge under new act

In the first application of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, the Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised a charge of corporate manslaughter against Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings Ltd in relation to the death of Alexander Wright on 5 September 2008.

20/04/2009

CPS advises charges against MEP Tom Wise and Researcher

The Crown Prosecution Service has today advised Bedfordshire Police to charge Thomas Wise MEP and his then researcher Lindsay Jenkins with one count each of false accounting contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and one count each of money laundering contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

16/04/2009

CPS advises Metropolitan Police no prosecution of Damian Green or Christopher Galley

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer, QC, has decided there should be no charges brought against MP Damian Green or Home Office civil servant Christopher Galley, following a Metropolitan Police Service investigation into leaks of information from the Home Office.

16/04/2009

CPS Counter Terrorism Division praised after inspection finds work is of high standard

The Crown Prosecution Service's Counter Terrorism Division has been praised for its exceptionally high standards in the way it handles some of the country's most difficult cases, after a formal inspection of its work.

08/04/2009

Director of Public Prosecutions announces appointments to two senior CPS posts

Keir Starmer QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, today announced appointments to the key posts of Director of Equality and Diversity and Principal Legal Advisor.

07/04/2009

Crown Prosecution Service advises police to charge boys aged 10 and 11 with attempted murder

South Yorkshire Crown Prosecution Service has advised South Yorkshire Police to charge two young boys with offences of attempted murder and robbery following an incident in Edlington at the weekend.

07/04/2009

CPS advises no charges over death of PC Ian Terry

The Crown Prosecution Service today announced that it will not bring charges in relation to the tragic death of PC Ian Terry who was fatally shot by a fellow officer during a training exercise on 9 June 2008.

18/03/2009

CPS updates its rape and domestic violence policies

Revised public policies on the way the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) handles cases of rape and domestic violence aim to give greater clarity to those who support victims, and provide consistency for prosecutors.

18/03/2009

CPS helps in referral of Robert Hodgson case to court of appeal

The Crown Prosecution Service helped to bring new DNA evidence in the case of Robert Hodgson - convicted of murder 27 years ago - to the attention of the Criminal Cases Review Commission who referred the case to the Court of Appeal. Today, the Court of Appeal has quashed the conviction as unsafe.

11/03/2009

London cab driver guilty of multiple sexual offences on passengers

London black cab driver John Worboys has today been convicted for sexual attacks against 12 women for offences he committed in London between October 2006 and February 2008.

06/03/2009

No retrial over inflatable artwork deaths

The Crown Prosecution Service has decided that it will not ask for a retrial of artist Maurice Agis on remaining charges of manslaughter following the deaths of two women who were killed when his inflatable artwork "Dreamspace" broke free from its moorings.

05/03/2009

CPS to revise complaints handling procedure

An independent report into the way the Crown Prosecution Services handles complaints is a careful and constructive analysis, which will help the CPS improve its service, said the Director of Public Prosecutions.

04/03/2009

Gang convicted for audacious attempted bank theft

Hugh Rodley and David Nash were today convicted at London's Snaresbrook Crown Court for their part in a European plot to steal £229 million. They join three others who have already pleaded guilty. Inger Britt Marie Malmros, who was extradited to stand trial, was found not guilty.

04/03/2009

CPS decides not to refer hunting cases to House of Lords

The Crown Prosecution Service has decided not to appeal to the House of Lords following a judgement on two hunting cases made in the High Court, which included clarification of the term "hunts" in the Hunting Act 2004.

03/03/2009

CPS advises charges over Lynette White trials

The Crown Prosecution Service's Special Crime Division (SCD) has advised South Wales Police that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute 15 people involved in the trials of five men for the 1988 murder of Lynette White.

26/02/2009

CPS decision on Gary McKinnon case

Aspects of this statement have been superseded. See statement of 31 July 2009
 
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has today announced that it will not prosecute Gary McKinnon in relation to allegations of computer misuse. This decision follows a careful review of all available evidence including further material and admissions to offences under Section 2 of the Computer Misuse Act 1990 which were submitted by Mr McKinnon's solicitors.

19/02/2009

First CPS in-house lawyer appointed queen's counsel

For the first time in its 23-year history, a Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in-house lawyer has been appointed to the rank of Queen's Counsel (QC) - senior barristers or solicitors recognised as experts in their field and judged capable of prosecuting the most complex and high profile cases.

17/02/2009

CPS Decision - Mohamed Al Fayed

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has advised the Metropolitan Police Service that no criminal proceedings will be brought against Mr Mohamed Al Fayed following allegations of sexual assault.

16/02/2009

Lorry driver guilty of causing deaths of family of six

A lorry driver's inattention caused an horrific accident which wiped out an entire family including four children, said CPS Cheshire Chief Crown Prosecutor Ian Rushton.

13/02/2009

University fire bomber convicted

Mel Broughton, who has been convicted of conspiracy to commit arson and two associated offences, was not a peaceful protestor as he claimed but someone who took an active part in a fire bombing campaign at Oxford University, said Crown Prosecution Service lawyer Paul Harrison.

13/02/2009

CPS Statement - Joint Statement on Christopher Galley and Damian Green

A joint statement has been issued today by the Crown Prosecution Service and the Metropolitan Police Service relating to the extension of bail for Christopher Galley and Damian Green.

13/02/2009

CPS Statement - Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes

Stephen O’Doherty, reviewing lawyer, CPS Special Crime Division, said today that following a review of evidence after the inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes he had found insufficient evidence to prosecute any individual police officer. 

29/01/2009

CPS consults on changes to prosecution principles

The Crown Prosecution Service has today launched a twelve week public consultation on the Code for Crown Prosecutors, the document which sets out the principles which prosecutors must follow when they decide whether or not to prosecute an individual.

08/01/2009

Two guilty of inciting racial hatred against Jews

Simon Sheppard and Stephen Whittle have been convicted of inciting racial hatred against Jews and other minority ethnic groups using material which the Crown Prosecution Service said crossed the line from unpleasant and obnoxious to a criminal offence.

23/12/2008

Huntingdon Life Sciences blackmail plotters guilty

The conviction of seven animal rights activists for threatening and intimidating people and companies that they suspected were associated with Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS) marks the end of a prolonged and sustained campaign of threats, intimidation and damage to property, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reviewing lawyer Alastair Nisbet said today.

19/12/2008

CPS director awarded degree for equality work

The London Metropolitan University has presented an honorary degree of Doctor of Law to Mr Raj Joshi, CPS Director of Legal Practice & Quality Assurance, for his 'outstanding contribution to the development of legal practice in the UK and commitment to equality in the international legal arena.'

18/12/2008

First conviction for directing terrorism as a member of al-Qaeda

The conviction of Rangzieb Ahmed for directing terrorism as a member of al-Qaeda is the first time someone has been found guilty of these offences in England and Wales, said Mark Topping, reviewing lawyer in the Crown Prosecution Service's Counter Terrorism Division.

18/12/2008

Robert Napper pleads guilty to manslaughter of Rachel Nickell

Robert Napper, currently detained at Broadmoor Hospital and charged with the murder of Rachel Nickell on Wimbledon Common in 1992, today offered a plea of guilty to her manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility. This was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

17/12/2008

Father guilty of causing deaths of his children in Land Rover accident

The decision to prosecute Nigel Gresham, the father found guilty of causing the deaths of four of his children through dangerous driving, was not taken lightly, said Lincolnshire Crown Prosecution Service's Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Kaur Narwal.

16/12/2008

Teenager guilty of murder of Rhys Jones

The shooting of an 11 year old boy on his way home from football practice was a crime which shocked not only Liverpool but the whole country, said Merseyside Crown Prosecution Service reviewing lawyer Helen Morris.

16/12/2008

Doctor Bilal Abdulla guilty of London and Glasgow bomb plot

A plan to set off car bombs in London's West End was not aimed at scaring people but to kill and maim on a large scale, said Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division lawyer Karen Jones.

12/12/2008

DPP launches public consultation on prosecuting cases involving victims and witnesses experiencing mental distress and/or with learning disabilities

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, today asked for the public to contribute to a consultation on the Crown Prosecution Service's new policy on prosecuting criminal cases involving victims and witnesses experiencing mental distress and/or with learning disabilities.

11/12/2008

Rape and domestic violence conviction rates rise

Conviction rates for rape and domestic violence offences prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have increased to 58 per cent and 69 per cent respectively, according to a report published today.

11/12/2008

Successful prosecutions for hate crimes up - CPS report

Successful prosecutions for hate crimes have increased over the last few years, according to a new report from the Crown Prosecution Service.

09/12/2008

No charges following death by suicide of Daniel James

Keir Starmer QC, Director of Public Prosecutions has today said that, while there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction of Mark and Julie James in relation to the death by suicide of their son Daniel, such a prosecution is not in the public interest and no further action should be taken either against them or against a family friend who assisted them.

08/12/2008

CPS lawyer crosses the floor to become full-time judge

A Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) lawyer has been appointed as a full time judge, it is announced today.

05/12/2008

CPS decides no charges for Peter Hain MP

The Crown Prosecution Service has today advised all concerned parties that there is insufficient evidence to charge Peter Hain MP with any offences in relation to donations made to Mr Hain's campaign to support his bid to become Deputy Leader of the Labour Party in mid 2007.

04/12/2008

CPS wins diversity and equality award

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has won the Improvement Award at the annual Civil Service Diversity and Equality Awards ceremony which was held in Birmingham on Tuesday 2 December.

04/12/2008

Karen Matthews and Michael Donovan abused Shannon's trust says CPS lawyer

Karen Matthews and Michael Donovan abused public services and public money and, worst of all, a child's trust for personal gain, said Crown Prosecution Service reviewing lawyer Malcolm Taylor, following their conviction at Leeds Crown Court.

04/12/2008

CPS study on 'honour' crime prosecutions published

Prosecutors will be better able to tackle cases of so-called 'honour' crime following a Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) study, the first it has undertaken.

28/11/2008

CPS decides no retrial for Daniel James - soldier faces sentence over Official Secrets breach

The Crown Prosecution Service has decided not to seek a retrial for two outstanding charges on which a jury failed to reach a verdict against soldier Daniel James. He will now be sentenced for passing information useful to an enemy, contrary to the Official Secrets Act, 1911.

27/11/2008

Seven men guilty of the murder of M40 biker

Gerry Tobin was killed on the M40 in a cold blooded, military style operation only because he was a Hell's Angel's member, said David Robinson, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Warwickshire.

27/11/2008

Prosecutors and police welcome joint inspectorate reports on arrangements for charging criminal offences

The police investigation into the attack on Abigail Witchalls revealed evidence that would have been sufficient to commence a prosecution against Richard Cazaly for the offence, the CPS announced today.

25/11/2008

Maninder Pal Singh Kohli guilty of abduction, rape and murder of Hannah Foster

The case of Maninder Pal Singh Kohli, believed to be the first Indian national to have been extradited from India to face trial in this country, was one of the most complicated to be handled by the Crown Prosecution Service in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

14/11/2008

CPS out of hours service delivers half a million charging decisions

CPS Direct, the Crown Prosecution Service department set up to provide the police with out of hours advice on charging decisions, has now provided its half-millionth decision to police officers in England and Wales.

13/11/2008

CPS responds to review of decision making in road death cases

A review of the way the Crown Prosecution Service deals with road traffic cases involving fatalities shows that the organisation has made good progress, said Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC.

11/11/2008

Three convicted over protracted death of toddler

Following a nine week trial three people have been convicted at the Central Criminal Court over the death of a seventeen month old child in London.

10/11/2008

CPS to intervene in private prosecution of Gateshead art exhibition

A private prosecution of Gateshead's Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art for allegedly outraging public decency has been discontinued by CPS Northumbria.

31/10/2008

Vote of confidence in CPS Associate Prosecutors

As part of its contribution towards a more efficient and effective criminal justice system, the Crown Prosecution Service has further advanced the development of Associate Prosecutors - specially trained lay employees of the CPS who are permitted by law to prosecute a defined range of proceedings in the magistrates' courts.

20/10/2008

Our rights are priceless in the relentless struggle against terrorism says Sir Ken Macdonald

A call for level headedness and legislative restraint in an age of danger and risk was made by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald QC in the inaugural CPS Lecture.

06/10/2008

Society must do better on disability hate crime says DPP

Too many disabled people are living in fear because the criminal justice system is letting them down, the Director of Public Prosecutions has said.

29/09/2008

CPS Decision: John Hogan

The Crown Prosecution Service will take no action against John Hogan in relation to the death of his son Liam in Crete on 15 August 2006.

28/08/2008

CPS decision over Newquay hotel fire

There is insufficient evidence to charge anyone over a fire at the Penhallow Hotel, Newquay, in which three people died, the Crown Prosecution Service's Complex Casework Unit in the South West has decided.

27/08/2008

First case of ritual child flagellation ends in conviction

"The case of the first person to be convicted of child cruelty during a ritual ceremony involving flagellation makes clear the law is there to protect children", said Greater Manchester Crown Prosecution Service lawyer Carol Jackson.

22/08/2008

Crown Prosecution Service and Brazilian officials tackle football-related violence at World Cup 2014

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) today hailed a visit by a delegation from Brazil - here to learn from British expertise in security and tackling hooliganism - as an outstanding success. Brazil will be hosting the World Cup in 2014.

21/08/2008

CPS improves its contribution to the safeguarding of children

The Crown Prosecution Service has welcomed the report by HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate which shows that it has improved its role and contribution to the safeguarding of children as recommended in its earlier report.

18/08/2008

Terrorist "Mr Fix-It" convicted with two others of terrorism offences

Aabid Khan was a terrorism facilitator with international connections and the leader of a cell which gathered a library of terrorism information helpful to those plotting attacks, said Karen Jones of the Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division.

14/08/2008

CPS announces "lead football prosecutors" to tackle football hooliganism

The creation of lead football prosecutors in all Areas and new instructions on evidence for prosecutors are part of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) amended Guidance on Football Related Offences.

07/08/2008

CPS launches consultations on rape and domestic violence policies

The Crown Prosecution Service today launched two public consultations focusing on how it handles rape cases and cases of domestic violence. Revisions to both policies are needed following changes in the law, procedure and other developments since they were both last published several years ago.

01/08/2008

Barry George acquitted of murder of Jill Dando: CPS statement

A jury at the Central Criminal Court today found Barry George not guilty of the murder of Jill Dando, following a retrial.

31/07/2008

Verdict in trial for manslaughter of Private Gavin Williams: CPS statement

Corporal John Edwards, Provost Sergeant Russell Price and Sergeant Paul Blake were today acquitted of the manslaughter of Private Gavin Williams at Winchester Crown Court.

28/07/2008

CPS decides no prosecution over death of ITN's Terry Lloyd in Iraq

It is not possible to say who fired the fatal shot which killed ITN journalist Terry Lloyd and so the CPS has advised the police there is insufficient evidence for any prosecution over his death in Iraq, Sue Hemming, head of the Crown Prosecution Service's Counter Terrorism Division, announced today.

23/07/2008

Wife guilty of fraud and money laundering in "canoe man" case

Anne Darwin was today convicted of offences of fraud and money laundering over the disappearance and faked death of her husband John, bringing to an end one of the most unusual cases ever handled by Cleveland Crown Prosecution Service.

21/07/2008

New violent assault legal guidance extends to NHS volunteers

Tough revised guidelines governing the prosecution of violent offenders who target NHS staff have been jointly issued today by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the NHS Security Management Service (NHS SMS). The updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the first time extends to cover not only NHS staff but also people who volunteer their time to the NHS.

21/07/2008

CPS advises police to charge father over deaths of children in Land Rover accident

Lincolnshire Crown Prosecution Service has today advised Lincolnshire Police to charge Nigel Gresham with four offences of causing death by dangerous driving following an accident in which four of his seven children died.

15/07/2008

CPS publishes policy on prosecuting crimes against older people

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald, QC, said the Crown Prosecution Service was making clear to the public that it takes crime against older people seriously as a policy published today sets out how it handles these cases.

25/06/2008

Nazi sympathiser sentenced for terrorism offences

Nazi fanatic Martyn Gilleard was sentenced today for terrorism offences after police found weapons, including home-made bombs, and extreme right-wing propaganda and terrorist literature at his home while searching for indecent images of children.

17/06/2008

CPS response to Samina Malik appeal

The Crown Prosecution Service has decided not to seek a retrial in the case of Samina Malik after the Court of Appeal quashed her conviction for collecting information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

11/06/2008

21/7 bomber's wife and others found guilty of terrorism offences

The wife of Hussein Osman, one of the four men found guilty of conspiracy to murder London commuters 14 days after the 7/7 bombings, was today found guilty with others of assisting an offender and failing to give information to the police. Two other defendants were cleared by the jury.

05/06/2008

Possession of knives - CPS statement

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald QC, said today that anyone caught in possession of a knife in a public place can expect to be prosecuted.

29/05/2008

CPS charging decision: Naomi Campbell

The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Naomi Campbell with six offences in relation to incidents that occurred on a stationary aircraft and within Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport, London, on 3 April 2008.

28/05/2008

Nisha Patel-Nasri's killers convicted

Fadi Nasri, Roger Leslie, and Jason Jones were today convicted of the murder of Nisha Patel-Nasri. Nisha bled to death at her home in Wembley on 11 May 2006 following a single stab wound to her leg. Tony Emmanuel was acquitted of murder.

22/05/2008

CPS statement: Crossfire killer convicted

Armel Gnango was today convicted of the murder of care worker Magda Pniewska, a wholly innocent passerby killed in a street shooting in south London last October.

14/05/2008

CPS ends Venezuelan drug plot

A plot to smuggle cocaine with a street value of £40m from Venezuela in a speedboat finally sank today with convictions at Woolwich Crown Court, London.

14/05/2008

CPS statement: Amy Winehouse suspected drug abuse

The Crown Prosecution Service [CPS] today announced that it will not advise criminal proceedings against Amy Winehouse in relation to incidents of suspected substance abuse, depicted on video footage covertly recorded in the early hours of 18 January this year and later passed to the Metropolitan Police Service [MPS]. Following an extensive police enquiry, a file was submitted to the CPS to determine whether anti drugs laws had been broken.

06/05/2008

CPS publishes response to All-Party Parliamentary inquiry into Antisemitism

A Crown Prosecution Service investigation into cases involving antisemitism, carried out as part of its response to the All-Party Parliamentary Inquiry into Antisemitism, has found that more needs to be done to encourage victims to support a prosecution.

02/05/2008

Convictions in royal blackmail case

After a three week trial, Ian Strachan and Sean McGuigan have today been found guilty of blackmailing a member of the extended Royal Family.

30/04/2008

CPS decision on the death of Frank Ogboru

The Crown Prosecution Service has today advised all concerned parties that there is insufficient evidence to charge any individuals with any offences in relation to the tragic death of Mr Frank Ogboru, 43, who died after police restrained him in Woolwich, South London. Mr Ogboru, a Nigerian businessman, was visiting London at the time.

28/04/2008

Teenagers sentenced for murder of Sophie Lancaster

As two teenagers started life sentences today for the murder of Sophie Lancaster, the Chief Crown Prosecutor for Lancashire, Robert Marshall, described the case as "truly shocking".

25/04/2008

CPS advises no charges against Edwin Pitkin

The Crown Prosecution Service today announced that Mr Edwin Pitkin will not face charges for the death of Mr Mark Woods at Mr Pitkin's home in Enfield, London, in February this year. Mr Woods was fatally stabbed in the chest during a struggle with Mr Pitkin as he attempted to gain entry to his house.

23/04/2008

CPS advises charges in 21-year old murder case

The Crown Prosecution Service has this afternoon advised the Metropolitan Police that Garry John Vian and James Fredrick William Cook be charged with the murder of Daniel Morgan in South London in 1987. It has also advised that Sidney Alexander Fillery be charged with perverting the course of justice.

23/04/2008

CPS announces 'no prosecution' of Dr Rodney Gilbert

The Crown Prosecution Service today announced that no prosecution will be brought against Dr Rodney Gilbert, the consultant in charge of the care of Joshua Taylor, who died aged 15 months from hypernatraemia, an excess of salt in his body.

18/04/2008

Six men sentenced over terrorism charges

Preacher Omar Brooks was one of six men sentenced today at Kingston Crown Court after being found guilty of supporting terrorism, including charges of fundraising for terrorism and incitment to commit an act of terrorism overseas.

09/04/2008

CPS statement: Murder of Paul Erhahon

Today three young men were convicted of the murder, and two of manslaughter, of Paul Erhahon, on Good Friday last year in Leytonstone, east London. A further young man was convicted of the attempted murder of his friend, Stephen Mafolabomi, on Good Friday last year.

09/04/2008

CPS Anthony Walker Law Scholarship launched

The Crown Prosecution Service Merseyside is now inviting applications for a law scholarship in memory of Anthony Walker, a young man with ambitions of becoming a lawyer, who was murdered in a racist attack in 2005.

08/04/2008

Karen Matthews - CPS charging decision

Peter Mann, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service West and North Yorkshire Complex Casework Unit, today made the following statement in relation to Karen Matthews:

01/04/2008

CPS announces the roll out of two key justice initiatives

The national roll-out of two new initiatives - pre-trial interviews with witnesses and conditional cautions - has now been completed across England and Wales.

19/03/2008

CPS updates policy on prosecuting racist and religious crime

The Crown Prosecution Service has updated its policy and guidance to prosecutors on racist and religious crime following changes in the law and the way it deals with victims and witnesses.

17/03/2008

CPS announce Michael Donovan charging decision

Peter Mann, Head of CPS West and North Yorkshire Complex Case Unit, today made the following statement in relation to the disappearance and subsequent discovery last Friday, 14 March, of Shannon Matthews:

14/03/2008

CPS issues public policy on sexual transmission of infection

After extensive consultation, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has today published a public policy statement and guidance to prosecutors to explain how it deals with cases involving the intentional or reckless sexual transmission of infection. To date 11 such cases have been prosecuted.

14/03/2008

CPS decision on Jonathan Evans rape allegation

Greater Manchester Crown Prosecution Service has decided there is insufficient evidence to charge footballer Jonathan Evans, accused of rape following a party at the Great John Street Hotel in Manchester in December 2007.

11/03/2008

New presence in Pakistan for CPS

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has appointed its first CPS liaison magistrate - or prosecutor - in Pakistan, adding to its team of lawyers based around the world to assist in the fight against global crime.

11/03/2008

CPS improved performance

The Crown Prosecution Service has welcomed the report by HM CPS Inspectorate which shows that it has strengthened and improved performance since it was last assessed in 2005.

07/03/2008

CPS and ACPO sign protocol on handling of rape cases

A model protocol designed to improve the investigation and prosecution of rape cases throughout England and Wales, has been signed today by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

03/03/2008

Nurse found guilty of killing his patients

Colin Norris was today found guilty at Newcastle Crown Court of the murders of Ethel Hall, Doris Ludlam, Bridget Bourke and Irene Crookes. He was also found guilty of the attempted murder of Vera Wilby.

27/02/2008

CPS decides not to charge shopkeeper over death of armed robber

Lancashire Crown Prosecution Service has decided shopkeeper Mangal Singh should not be charged with murder following the death of an armed robber during a violent struggle outside Mr Singh's shop in Skelmersdale.

26/02/2008

Terror training camps trial marks another first for the Crown Prosecution Service

Seven men have been convicted following the landmark 'terrorist training camps' trial at Woolwich Crown Court.

25/02/2008

Levi Bellfield prosecution was a shocking and exceptional case says CPS

Even for prosecutors and caseworkers used to dealing with murder, the Levi Bellfield trial was an exception in its complexity and distressing detail, according to reviewing lawyer Andrew Hadik of Special Casework CPS London, who began advising the police some 18 months before charge.

22/02/2008

CPS statement - Mark Dixie convicted of murder

Following the conviction of Mark Dixie for the murder of Sally Anne Bowman, Damaris Lakin from the CPS London Homicide Team said:

21/02/2008

Steve Wright guilty of murders of five women

The prosecution of Steve Wright for the murders of five young women is one of the biggest cases ever handled by the Crown Prosecution Service in Suffolk, said one of the CPS lawyers in the case, Michael Crimp.

20/02/2008

CPS racist and religious crime data published

The Crown Prosecution Service's Racist and Religious Incident Monitoring report for 2006-2007 shows an increase in prosecutions on the previous year for racist offences and a fall in prosecutions for religiously aggravated offences.

18/02/2008

Five men sentenced over terrorism offences connected to the Birmingham beheading plot

Five men were sentenced today over terrorism offences relating to a plot to kidnap and behead a British Muslim soldier. The ring leader Parviz Khan and three others already pleaded guilty to terrorism offences before the start of the trial in January.

30/01/2008

New agreement for CPS Designated Caseworkers to join ILEX

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) have agreed in principle that later this year CPS Designated Caseworkers (APs) will be admitted into the Institute of Legal Executives for the first time.

28/01/2008

Five men guilty in Securitas robbery case

Lea Rusha, Stuart Royle, Jetmir Bucpapa, Roger Coutts and Emir Hysenaj were found guilty today at the Old Bailey of the £53m robbery at the Securitas Depot in Tonbridge, Kent.

23/01/2008

CPS out of hours service to review hate crimes

CPS Direct, the Crown Prosecution Service department responsible for charging suspects out of hours, has initiated a Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel to improve the way in which it deals with hate crime.

22/01/2008

CPS issues prosecutor checklist for current cases involving Low Copy Number DNA analysis

Crown Prosecution Service lawyers have today been provided with the latest information on Low Copy Number DNA testing and guidance on how to deal with cases where it is used. This follows the public statement last week in which, following a review of current cases using LCN, the service stated that none gave cause for concern.

16/01/2008

Defendants found guilty over Garry Newlove's death

Adam Swellings, Stephen Sorton and Jordan Cunliffe were found guilty at Chester Crown Court of the murder of Garry Newlove, who was killed after remonstrating with a group of teenagers outside his house about damage to his wife's car.

14/01/2008

Review of the use of Low Copy Number DNA analysis in current cases: CPS statement

The judgment in the Omagh bombing case, R v Hoey, was handed down on the 20th December 2007.

20/12/2007

CPS publishes policy on bad driving

A better service to bereaved families from prosecutors and new guidance on what constitutes dangerous driving are the main changes in the Crown Prosecution Service policy on bad driving published today.

13/12/2007

CPS response to HMCPSI report on discontinuances

In response to the HMCPSI report on its review of the decision-making and management of discontinued cases and discharged committals by the Crown Prosecution Service, Director of Public Prosecutions Ken Macdonald QC said:

07/12/2007

R v Rogers & Others (horse racing trial), CPS statement

Reviewing lawyer Asker Husain, from the CPS Special Crime Division, said:

28/11/2007

CPS authorises police to charge Robert Napper with the murder of Rachel Nickell

The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Robert Napper with the murder of Rachel Nickell in 1992.

15/11/2007

CPS decision on the death of Paul Coker

The Crown Prosecution Service has today advised all concerned parties that there is insufficient evidence to charge any individuals with any offences in relation to the tragic death of Paul Coker at Plumstead Police Station, South London on 6 August 2005.

07/11/2007

CPS seeks views on prosecuting crimes against older people

The Crown Prosecution Service today launched a public consultation on prosecuting crimes against older people, seeking views on how it deals with crimes against them and how it supports those who are victims and witnesses.

06/11/2007

Millie and Jerome go to court

"Millie the witness" and "Jerome: a witness in court" are the faces of a new drive launched by the Crown Prosecution Service during Inside Justice Week to inform children and young people of what will happen if they report a crime.

05/11/2007

CPS seeks views on Violence Against Women Strategy

The Crown Prosecution Service today launched a public consultation on its Violence against Women Strategy and Action Plans. The Strategy aims to coordinate and improve the prosecution response to a range of crimes that fall under the umbrella of 'violence against women'.

05/11/2007

Mirror readers vote CPS lawyer top for honour crime work

CPS lawyer Nazir Afzal today topped a Daily Mirror readers' poll, to win the People's Award, for his work in highlighting the issue of so-called honour crimes, where Asian women have been killed by members of their own families if they are judged to have brought shame by not marrying the man chosen for them.

05/11/2007

CPS team wins award for historic rape convictions

Prosecutors, Police and forensic scientists today won a national Justice Award* for pioneering work in investigating and prosecuting historic rape cases.

05/11/2007

CPS wins award for hate crime work

A Crown Prosecution Service team from West Yorkshire today won a national Justice Award* for pioneering work in analysing its hate crime cases. Hate Crime Scrutiny panels are now being rolled out across the CPS.

01/11/2007

CPS statement following conviction of Office of Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis

This was a serious allegation of an offence under legislation enacted by Parliament specifically to protect the public. It followed a thorough investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

29/10/2007

CPS out of hours service raises online profile

CPS Direct, the out of hours charging division of the Crown Prosecution Service, is increasing its online presence with a dedicated area on the CPS website aimed at raising public awareness of its contribution to the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales.

26/10/2007

CPS Decision on Baltic Exhibition Photograph

Northumbria Crown Prosecution Service has advised Northumbria Police that a photograph seized from an exhibition at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead, is not an indecent image.

11/10/2007

CPS homophobic crime data 2006 - 2007

Figures released today by the Crown Prosecution Service show that homophobic crime is being tackled head on, and with success.

08/10/2007

Charging decision in Conservative Party Honours allegation

The Crown Prosecution Service has today advised the Metropolitan Police Service that there is insufficient evidence to charge any individuals after an investigation into allegations under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925 in relation to the Conservative Party.

08/10/2007

CPS praised in Race Report

In its final legacy document, "A lot done, a lot to do: Our vision for an integrated Britain", a report on race equality in Britain, the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) found the CPS had made continued improvements.

01/10/2007

CPS discontinues case against Dr Saraj Adlakha and Shilpa Abrol

West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service has informed Birmingham Crown Court that there is no longer sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and will terminate the proceedings in the case against Dr Saroj Adlakha and her daughter Shilpa Abrol who were both charged with conspiracy to commit child destruction abroad.

27/09/2007

CPS responds to Inspectorate audit of Direct Communication with Victims scheme

Following the publication of the HMCPSI report into Crown Prosecution Service performance regarding the Direct Communication with Victims scheme, Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald QC said: "We welcome this report. The CPS now has a much greater role in victim and witness care and we are committed to meeting our commitments and responsibilities to provide a service that is efficient and sensitive to their needs. How we communicate with victims when important decisions are taken about their cases is an important part of this.

24/09/2007

CPS decision on new evidence in Jessie James shooting

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.

18/09/2007

CPS Director of Legal Practice and quality assurance wins Jewel Award

Raj Joshi, Director of Legal Practice and quality assurance for the CPS has won a Lloyds TSB Southern Jewel Award for Public Service Excellence. The awards, now in their fifth year, "celebrate the continued achievements of British Asians" and took place at the London Hilton, Park Lane on 15th September 2007.

10/09/2007

Jacqueline Simpson found not guilty of manslaughter

Colin Davies, Assistant District Crown Prosecutor for Merseyside, said: "The death of Ellie Lawrenson on New Year's Day, when she was mauled to death by her family's pit-bull type dog, Reuben, was a tragedy for all involved and in particular for Ellie's parents.

10/09/2007

CPS advises no charges following re-investigation into death of Stuart Lubbock

Essex Crown Prosecution Service has advised Essex Police that no one should be charged with any criminal offences following a re-investigation into the death of Stuart Lubbock, who was found dead at the entertainer Michael Barrymore's home in 2001.

06/09/2007

CPS announces changes in policy on bad driving and publishes summary of responses to consultation

The Crown Prosecution Service received one of its widest responses from the public when it asked for comments on prosecuting bad driving. The responses to the consultation will result in changes to CPS policy on how driving offences are charged and prosecuted and also the service it offers to victims and witnesses. A summary of the responses is published today on this website.

31/08/2007

CPS statement following convictions in Ernest Norton case

Damaris Lakin, from the CPS Central Criminal Court Trials Unit, said:

31/08/2007

CPS decision following death of Faisal Al-Ani

The Crown Prosecution Service has today advised the Independent Police Complaints Commission that there is insufficient evidence to charge any police officers with any criminal offences in relation to the circumstances surrounding the death, whilst in police custody, of Faisal Al-Ani.

29/08/2007

CPS decides police officers should not be prosecuted over Stirland case

The Crown Prosecution Service has advised the Independent Police Complaints Commission that police officers in the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire forces should not be prosecuted over the way they handled the circumstances surrounding the murder of John and Joan Stirland.

24/08/2007

Prosecution of Abbi-Louise Maple and Rachel Marchant: CPS statement

Abbi-Louise Maple and Rachel Marchant appeared at Worthing Magistrates' Court on 22 August charged with outraging public decency.

02/08/2007

Chris Langham convicted of making indecent images of children

People who claim they have images of child abuse on their computers for "research" could find themselves prosecuted, warned Kent CPS senior lawyer Ken Goss after Chris Langham was found guilty today of making indecent images of children.

02/08/2007

Nottingham crime boss found guilty of corrupting police had conviction for conspiracy to murder

The Crown Prosecution Service made sure that the jury in the trial of Nottingham criminal Colin Gunn - accused of corrupting police officers for information - knew about his conviction last year for the part he played in the murder of John and Joan Stirland.

26/07/2007

Family members found guilty in "honour killing" case

The husband and mother-in-law of Surjit Kaur Athwal were today found guilty by an Old Bailey jury of her murder. The twenty seven year old mother of two children failed to return home after a trip to a wedding in India with her mother-in-law Bachan Kaur Athwal in December 1998. She has not been seen since, and her body has never been found.

26/07/2007

Four students and a schoolboy sentenced for possessing articles for terrorism

The Crown Prosecution Service has warned about collecting and possessing terrorist information which might encourage acts of terrorism following the sentencing of four students and a schoolboy who denied having extremist views.

25/07/2007

CPS decision on the death of Private Gavin Williams

The Crown Prosecution Service has today advised Wiltshire Police to charge Sergeant Russell Price, Sergeant Paul Blake and Corporal John Edwards with manslaughter following the death of Private Gavin Williams on 3 July 2006.

23/07/2007

CPS round the clock service takes half a million calls

CPS Direct, the Crown Prosecution Service division set up to provide the Police with out of hours charging decisions, has now responded to over 500,000 requests for legal advice from police officers in England and Wales.

20/07/2007

CPS decision: "Cash For Honours" case

Carmen Dowd, reviewing lawyer and Head of the CPS Special Crime Division said today: "I have now completed my review of the evidence given to me by the Metropolitan Police, Specialist Crime Directorate into the so-called Cash for Honours inquiry.

18/07/2007

Cartoons protestors sentenced for soliciting murder

Four men were sentenced at the Old Bailey today after being found guilty of solicitation to murder and stirring up racial hatred arising out of protests over the publication of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.

18/07/2007

CPS domestic violence figures show further rise in convictions

The Crown Prosecution Service's latest figures for domestic violence show that convictions are continuing to rise year on year and have risen by 20 per cent since 2003. Three-quarters of the cases in the Crown Courts - where the most serious cases are heard - ended in a conviction.

11/07/2007

Four 21/7 terrorists guilty of murder conspiracy

Four would-be suicide bombers have been found guilty of conspiracy to murder after planning a coordinated attack designed to cause death and destruction on the London transport system.

10/07/2007

CPS receives Russian response to Lugovoy extradition request

The Crown Prosecution Service has received the formal response from the Russian authorities to its request that Andrey Lugovoy be extradited for the murder of Alexander Litvinenko.

06/07/2007

CPS advises first man to be charged over London & Glasgow bomb attacks

Susan Hemming, Head of the CPS Counter Terrorism Division, has advised that the first person should be charged over the London and Glasgow bomb attacks. Bilal Abdullah is the first of those held in custody to be charged with an offence arising out of the incidents.

05/07/2007

CPS helps police with evidence from abroad in first terrorism case tried outside London

A Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division Lawyer travelled with police to Holland to help them obtain evidence from the Dutch authorities for one of the first terrorism cases to come to trial outside London.

05/07/2007

CPS advises police no prosecution of Boris Berezovsky over press report

The Crown Prosecution Service has advised the Metropolitan Police Service that Boris Berezovsky should not be charged with any criminal offences following a recent press article which claimed he was plotting 'a new Russian revolution'.

05/07/2007

Three men admit using internet to incite terrorism in first British case

Three men who pleaded guilty to inciting murder for terrorist purposes under the Terrorism Act 2000 are the first in England and Wales to do so, said the Crown Prosecution Service.

02/07/2007

Conviction for murder of Kiyan Prince

Following a retrial, a jury at the Old Bailey today convicted a 17-year old youth for the murder of 15 year-old Kiyan Prince who was stabbed outside his school, the London Academy in Edgware, in May 2006.

29/06/2007

CPS leads initiative on Gangs, Guns and Knives

The criminal justice system must improve public confidence through greater community engagement to tackle knife and gun crime the Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald QC, told a CPS-led conference on Gangs, Guns and Knives today.

12/06/2007

CPS secures conviction against final member of UK terrorist cell

Qaisar Shaffi, the final member of a terrorist cell which was described by the Crown Prosecution Service as one of the most dangerous terrorist cells in the UK, was today found guilty of conspiracy to murder.

11/06/2007

Men found guilty of murder in honour killing

The following statement was issued by the Crown Prosecution Service after the father, uncle and their colleagues were found guilty today at the Old Bailey of the murder of Banaz Mahmod Aga.

08/06/2007

CPS scoops Legal Trainee Scheme award for the fourth year running

The Crown Prosecution Service has received, for the fourth time, the award for "Best Recruiter and Trainer In-House and Public Sector" in the annual LawCareers.Net Training and Recruitment Awards.

29/05/2007

Elvis fans "all shook up" as CPS puts seized memorabilia up for auction

An unusual collection of Elvis memorabilia and collectables will go under the hammer on 10 June in a one-off auction. The Crown Prosecution Service hopes that the collection of thousands of items will raise a huge interest amongst Elvis fans wanting to mark the 30th anniversary of his death this summer.

22/05/2007

CPS announces decision on Alexander Litvinenko case

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald, QC, has announced that the Crown Prosecution Service has made its decision in the Alexander Litvinenko case.

04/05/2007

Former CPS Area Business Manager pleads guilty to sexual assault and possession of cocaine

The former Area Business Manager for the Crown Prosecution Service in Gloucestershire, William Hollins, has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years' imprisonment after he admitted two charges of sexual assault on a teenage boy aged 16 and one charge of possessing cocaine.

30/04/2007

"Fertiliser bomb plot" one of biggest terrorism trials for Crown Prosecution Service

The year long trial of seven men accused of plotting to cause explosions with fertiliser bombs contained several notable "firsts", said Deborah Walsh, Deputy Head of the Crown Prosecution Service's Counter Terrorism Division.

26/04/2007

Drugs boss conviction completes gang downfall

Karl Pettitt, the main ringleader of a cocaine importation gang, was sentenced to 22 years' imprisonment today at Blackfriars Crown Court. He had pleaded guilty at a hearing in London last month.

25/04/2007

CPS decision on Earls Court station death

The Crown Prosecution has decided not to prosecute anyone for any offence arising out of the tragic death of Tu Quang Hoang Vu at Earls Court Underground station in November last year. Mr Vu's family have been informed of the decision and the reviewing lawyer has arranged to meet the family to personally explain the reasons behind the decision.

20/04/2007

'Cash for Honours' statement

The Crown Prosecution Service can confirm that it has today received the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) file of evidence into the so-called 'Cash for Honours' inquiry. It will now be reviewed in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors to determine whether any individuals should be charged with any offences. These decisions will be notified to the MPS in due course and will be publicly announced after concerned parties are notified. The reviewing lawyer is Carmen Dowd, Head of CPS Special Crime Division.

13/04/2007

CPS advises no prosecution against former doctor Richard Neale

The Crown Prosecution Service has advised North Yorkshire Police that there is insufficient evidence to prosecute former doctor Richard Neale for any criminal offences following a reinvestigation into a number of allegations against him.

05/04/2007

CPS authorises police to charge three men involved in conspiracy with 7/7 bombers

The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge three men with conspiracy to cause explosions with the 7 July bombers. The charge does not relate to the specific explosions which occurred on 7 July 2005 on London's transport system but to earlier planning and reconnaisance before the plot was finalised.

03/04/2007

CPS authorises Merseyside Police to charge Kiel Simpson and Jackie Simpson with offences relating to the death of Ellie Lawrenson

Colin Davies, Head of Merseyside's Organised and Complex Crime Section, today made the following statement in relation to the death of Ellie Lawrenson in St Helens on New Year's Day:

30/03/2007

Crown Prosecution Service statement: Paddington train crash

Following the £4 million fine imposed on Network Rail today for an offence under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Chris Newell, CPS Principal Legal Advisor, said:

30/03/2007

CPS responds to Inspectors' review of its handling of British Transport Police Casework

The Crown Prosecution Service welcomes the HMCPSI report "Keeping on the Right Track", a follow up report on the 2004 Thematic Review of the CPS Handling of British Transport Police Casework. Overall the report shows that "substantial progress" has been made since the recommendations of the 2004 report.

14/03/2007

CPS decision not to prosecute Richard Tomlinson under the Official Secrets Act 1989

The Crown Prosecution Service has informed the Metropolitan Police that it has decided not to prosecute Richard Tomlinson, a member of the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) between 1991 and 1995, for alleged offences committed under the Official Secrets Act 1989. The CPS has also decided not to prosecute alleged offences of blackmail in relation to threats to disclose information.

14/03/2007

DPP launches CPS equality and diversity expectations statement for the Bar

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald, QC, today launched a statement of expectations on equality and diversity which would apply to the Bar when members are working, or seeking to work, for the Crown Prosecution Service.

09/03/2007

Terry Adams sentenced for money laundering

Terry Adams was sentenced at the Old Bailey today after pleading guilty last month to money laundering.

02/03/2007

Ian and Angela Gay not guilty of toddler's manslaughter

The CPS today explained its decision to pursue a retrial in the case of Ian and Angela Gay, who were acquitted of the manslaughter of their foster son, three-year old Christian Blewitt, following a retrial at Nottingham Crown Court.

27/02/2007

CPS authorises police to charge four people with perjury in Lynette White case

Carmen Dowd, Head of the CPS Special Crime Division, today announced perjury charges against four people who were involved in the trials of five men for the murder of Lynette White.

27/02/2007

CPS launches policy for prosecuting disability hate crime

Disabled people have the right to live free from crime or the fear of crime like the rest of us, said the Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald, QC, at the launch of the Crown Prosecution Service's policy on prosecuting disability hate crime.

09/02/2007

Five men charged with terrorism offences in Birmingham

Sue Hemming, Head of the CPS Counter Terrorism Division, today announced charges against five men who were arrested in Birmingham on 31 January 2007. She made the following statement at a press conference:

06/02/2007

Terry Adams pleads guilty to money laundering

Terry Adams pleaded guilty earlier today at Blackfriars Crown Court to money laundering following an extensive investigation by the Serious and Organised Crime Agency, assisted by the security services, and meticulous work to build up the case by the Crown Prosecution Service.

06/02/2007

CPS Statement: Mr Des Smith

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.

31/01/2007

CPS & ACPO respond to joint Inspectorates' report on rape

Police and prosecutors have accepted the recommendations in a joint report on the investigation and prosecution of rape cases.

17/01/2007

CPS response to Serious Case Review of Paul Smith

Lincolnshire Crown Prosecution Service has accepted the recommendations of the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Board which reviewed the case of Paul Smith, convicted of the murder of Rosie May Storrie, to see if any lessons needed to be learned.

16/01/2007

Sheffield drug dealers jailed for over 60 years

Five men convicted of conspiracy to supply heroin at Sheffield Crown Court last week have been sentenced to over sixty years in prison.

15/01/2007

New HR Director joins CPS

Ros McCool joins the Crown Prosecution Service today as its new Human Resources Director.

11/01/2007

Crown Prosecution Service Chief Executive appointed

Peter Lewis has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Crown Prosecution Service from 15 January. Currently the CPS Director of Business Development, Mr Lewis is the first Chief Executive to be appointed from within the Service.

11/01/2007

CPS responds to Inspectors' review of its handling of police complaints

A joint review by the Inspectorates for police and prosecutors has found the Crown Prosecution Service is sound in both decision-making and case preparation when dealing with cases involving police officers and staff.

05/01/2007

Cartoon protestor convicted for soliciting murder

Today at the Central Criminal Court Umran Javed was convicted of one offence of soliciting to murder and one offence of stirring up racial hatred in relation to a protest in February this year against the publication of cartoons in the European press.

22/12/2006

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

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

19/12/2006

CPS advises no prosecutions over deaths at Gosport War Memorial Hospital

The Crown Prosecution Service's Special Crime Division has advised Hampshire Police there is insufficient evidence to prosecute any person over the deaths of 10 patients at Gosport War Memorial Hospital, Hampshire.

19/12/2006

Four guilty of causing death of PC Sharon Beshenivsky

The callous murder of PC Sharon Beshenivsky on November 18 last year led to one of the most challenging and complex cases ever handled by West Yorkshire Crown Prosecution Service.

13/12/2006

Men sentenced for shooting at Notting Hill Carnival 2004

A further three men have been sentenced at the Old Bailey today to life imprisonment for the murder of Marc Subaran at the Notting Hill Carnival on 30 August 2004.

13/12/2006

CPS seeks views on road traffic prosecutions

The Crown Prosecution Service today launched a public consultation on road traffic offences, seeking views on how offences are prosecuted and the service it offers to victims and witnesses.

12/12/2006

Gang found guilty of flying immigrants into UK

Valuable surveillance evidence was used to secure the convictions of a people smuggling gang who targeted small secluded airfields to fly illegal immigrants in to the UK.

07/12/2006

Driver's sentence for death by dangerous driving

A man who pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving after killing his friend in a high speed crash was sentenced to six and a half years in prison at Southwark Crown Court today.

06/12/2006

Dennis Nilsen - CPS decision about first victim

The Crown Prosecution Service announced its decision today that after careful consideration it has concluded that it is not in the public interest to prosecute Dennis Nilsen for the murder of Stephen Holmes, who disappeared in December 1978.

04/12/2006

CPS racist and religious crime data shows rise in prosecutions

The Crown Prosecution Service's Racist and Religious Incident Monitoring report for 2005-2006 shows an increase in prosecutions on the previous year for both types of offences.

01/12/2006

Convictions for internet rape plan

Three men were today convicted at London's Southwark Crown Court of a conspiracy to rape a girl under 16, based on a discussion in an internet chat room.

27/11/2006

Convictions for murder of Tom ap Rhys Pryce

Jaswant Narwal, District Crown Prosecutor at the Old Bailey Trials Unit said:

23/11/2006

Major counterfeiting gang sentenced

A major counterfeiting syndicate whose actions posed a significant threat to the integrity of the UK fiscal system were sentenced to a total of 41 and a half years behind bars today at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

23/11/2006

CPS singled out for work in campaign to end violence against women

The Crown Prosecution Service has been singled out for its work on violence against women in a report by the End Violence Against Women Campaign which placed the CPS as top in an assessment of government departments.

16/11/2006

CPS welcomes recognition of achievements of its Case Management System

A thematic review by Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) has confirmed the progress made by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in moving to a common national system for managing cases. The COMPASS Case Management System (CMS) implemented by the CPS is a national strategic system and an integral element in joining up and modernising the criminal justice system.

10/11/2006

CPS prosecution for inciting racial hatred results in acquittal for Nick Griffin and Mark Collett

Nick Griffin and Mark Collett were today found not guilty at Leeds Crown Court of inciting racial hatred. The Crown Prosecution Service reviewing lawyer in the case, Helen Allen, says it was important that the case had been put before a court.

09/11/2006

Internet blackmailer sentenced for forcing girls to pose naked

A blackmailer who preyed on young girls by invading their homes via their computers and forcing them to participate in indecent activity online was sentenced to ten years imprisonment at Inner London Crown Court today.

08/11/2006

Report highlights substantial CPS progress on equality and diversity in employment

The Crown Prosecution Service today welcomed the HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) report "Equalities Driving Justice", which looks at how effectively the CPS applies its equality and diversity strategy and policies in relation to employment.

07/11/2006

Terrorist sentenced for conspiracy to murder

Following the sentence of Dhiren Barot, Patrick Stevens, Crown Prosecutor, said:

01/11/2006

CPS to work more closely with NHS over assaults on staff

The Crown Prosecution Service has committed itself to working with the National Health Service's Security Management Service (SMS) to tackle violence against NHS staff.

27/10/2006

Mother not guilty of killing baby by salt poisoning

The case of Marianne Williams, who was acquitted of killing her baby by overdosing him with salt, was always going to be a difficult one to prove, said Wiltshire Crown Prosecution Service lawyer Rob Welling.

20/10/2006

CPS statement: Roselane Driza

Following the sentencing of Roselane Driza, on one count of blackmail, at the Central Criminal Court today, David Markham, Crown Prosecution Service Advocate said:

19/10/2006

CPS responds to PAC report on the effective use of magistrates' courts hearings

The Crown Prosecution Service welcomed the Public Accounts Committee report on the CPS's effective use of magistrates' courts hearings, published today, and said work in progress had already resulted in improvements.

16/10/2006

CPS welcomes a new generation of lawyers

The Crown prosecution Service today welcomed its first group of externally recruited legal trainees at a reception in central London. Running from December 2005, the recruitment campaign generated over 2000 applications and the standard was so high that 27 places were awarded instead of the planned 25. The recruitment campaign for 2007 was also confirmed today.

06/10/2006

William Dunlop sentenced in first double jeopardy case

The first man to face a retrial under the double jeopardy rule after Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald, QC, gave his consent for this case to be referred to the Court of Appeal, has today been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Julie Hogg in 1989.

04/10/2006

CPS work in Europe helps convict people smuggling ring

The Crown Prosecution Service helped obtain powerful evidence from Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands and Austria to halt the reign of a Turkish people smuggling gang sentenced today at Croydon Crown Court. In this case, 47 people were known to have reached the UK, and attempts had been made to smuggle at least 400 by ringleaders Ramazan Zorlu and Riza Gun, the last members to plead guilty before trial.

03/10/2006

DPP decides no charges following death of Simon Murden

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald, QC, has decided that no officers from Humberside Police should face any criminal charges over the death of Simon Murden, who was shot dead on the A63 near Hull in March, 2005.

11/09/2006

William Dunlop pleads guilty in first double jeopardy case

The first man to face a retrial under the double jeopardy rule after his case was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald, QC, has pleaded guilty today to the murder of Julie Hogg in 1989.

01/09/2006

CPS consults on sexual infections prosecutions

The Crown Prosecution Service is seeking final views on a public document to explain the way in which it deals with cases involving the intentional or reckless sexual transmission of infections which cause grievous bodily harm. To date, there have been eight convictions in England and Wales under Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 (OAPA), all based on the reckless transmission of HIV.

23/08/2006

Specialist rape advocates for London

The Crown Prosecution Service in London is recruiting a small team of specialist rape advocates to review and prosecute rape cases and other sexual offences as part of the work to improve the prosecution of these crimes in the capital.

21/08/2006

CPS Press Release : CPS authorises charges in alleged aircraft terror plot

This morning the CPS decided there was sufficient evidence and authorised the charge of 11 individuals.

09/08/2006

CPS used new evidence for Damilola convictions

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.

02/08/2006

Police officers acquitted following death of Michael Powell

The case against 10 police officers who were acquitted of various charges following the death of Michael Powell was always going to be a difficult one, but the Crown Prosecution Service stands by its decision to prosecute, said senior lawyer Christopher Enzor.

17/07/2006

CPS statement: Charging decision on the fatal shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes

Following the completion of the review into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jean Charles de Menezes, Stephen O'Doherty, senior lawyer from the CPS Special Crime Division, said today:

14/07/2006

CPS statement: Murder of Samaira Nazir

Today at the Central Criminal Court, Azhar Nazir was sentenced, together with a youth who cannot be named, for the murder of his sister Samaira in Southall, west London on the 23rd of April 2005.

10/07/2006

CPS gives seven days notice in Jean Charles De Menezes case

The CPS has today given seven days notice to all relevant parties, including the family of Jean Charles de Menezes, of its intention to give the decision in this case on 17 July 2006.

05/07/2006

Lee Bowyer pleads guilty to public order offence

Lee Bowyer today admitted that he was guilty of a public order act offence over his conduct towards a team mate in an "off the ball" incident during a Newcastle United match.

04/07/2006

CPS statement: Fatal shooting of Azelle Rodney

The Crown Prosecution Service announced today it has advised Mr Rodney's family and their legal representative, the IPCC and the Metropolitan Police that there is insufficient evidence to disclose a realistic prospect of conviction against any officer for any offence in relation to the fatal shooting of Azelle Rodney in a London street last year.

03/07/2006

CPS advises charges following horse racing probe

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.

29/06/2006

Stirland case: Three men guilty of conspiracy to murder

The cold-blooded murder of a couple who were hunted down and executed in a revenge killing was one of the most serious and difficult cases handled by Lincolnshire Crown Prosecution Service, said Chief Crown Prosecutor Colin Chapman.

29/06/2006

More domestic violence offenders convicted

More domestic violence offenders are being convicted and more are pleading guilty according to new CPS figures issued today. Cases which were heard in Specialist Domestic Violence Courts show an even greater improvement in conviction rates than non-specialist courts.

27/06/2006

CPS welcomes report on Jubilee Line case

The CPS has welcomed the report into the review of the Jubilee Line case published today by HM CPS Inspectorate. It has accepted all the recommendations which relate to itself and indeed has already put in place many of the measures recommended.

27/06/2006

Child specific CPS policy launched

The first public policy statement on supporting children as victims and witnesses will be launched by the Crown Prosecution Service today.

21/06/2006

CPS scoops a hat-trick for training award

The Crown Prosecution Service's Legal Trainee Scheme has been judged 'Best Recruiter & Trainer - In-house & Public Sector', for the third consecutive year.

16/06/2006

CPS determined to tackle homophobic crime

Thomas Pickford and Scott Walker were today sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum tariff of 28 years for the murder of Jody Dobrowski on Clapham Common, South London, on 15 October 2005. They had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing. It is believed that this is the first instance where a judge has been able to use motivation on the basis of sexual orientation as an aggravating factor when sentencing for murder.

15/06/2006

CPS decision on Kate Moss

Following a detailed and thorough review of all the available evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service has decided there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction against the model Kate Moss over allegations involving drugs.

12/06/2006

CPS decides no prosecutions after re-review of evidence in Porton Down

The Crown Prosecution Service has decided after a re-review of evidence that there should be no prosecutions of scientists over allegations made about experiments carried out on human volunteers from 1939 to 1989, at Porton Down, Wiltshire.

09/06/2006

CPS advises charges over death of two firemen

The Crown Prosecution Service has advised Sussex Police to charge Martin and Nathan Winter with the manslaughter of two fire crew, who died as the result of explosions and a blaze at a firework depot in East Sussex in 2006.

01/06/2006

CPS names World Cup prosecution squad

The Crown Prosecution Service has announced its World Cup team of prosecutors. Their task is to collect evidence to ensure any English fans who cause trouble in Germany next month will receive Football Banning Orders when they return home.

18/05/2006

CPS law scholarship in honour of Anthony Walker

The Crown Prosecution Service today launched a law scholarship in memory of Anthony Walker, a young man with ambitions of becoming a lawyer, who was viciously murdered because of the colour of his skin.

16/05/2006

Appeal Court upholds Judge's decision to dismiss charges in Dhaliwal

CPS London's appeal against a Judge's decision to dismiss all charges in the case of Harcharran Dhaliwal has been turned down by the Court of Appeal today (16 May 2006).

12/05/2006

CPS publishes summary of performance in key areas of business

From today, the Crown Prosecution Service will publish a quarterly summary of performance in key areas of its business on its website.

11/05/2006

CPS charging strategy in Darley Oaks case leads to long sentences

The first ever successful use of conspiracy to blackmail charges against animal rights extremists has seen four people receive substantial sentences in the Darley Oaks farm case. Their campaign against the farm culminated in the desecration of Gladys Hammond's grave.

10/05/2006

Williams, Garner and Morson sentenced for helping Anthony Walker's murderers escape the country

Three people who helped Michael Barton and Paul Taylor flee the country in an attempt to escape justice after they murdered Anthony Walker have today been made to face justice themselves, said Colin Davies, head of CPS Merseyside's serious and organised crime unit.

27/04/2006

CPS decision on Iraq deaths case

Following a detailed and thorough review of the evidence concerning the deaths of Sergeant Steven Roberts of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment and Mr Zaher Zaher, an Iraqi national, at Az Zubayr, Iraq on 24 March 2003, the Crown Prosecution Service has concluded that there is insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction against any soldier for any offence.

26/04/2006

10 year old accused of racist abuse given formal warning

The Chief Crown Prosecutor for Greater Manchester, John Holt, has decided not to continue a prosecution against a 10 year old boy for using racist language against a fellow school pupil. The boy has now been given a formal warning about his conduct.

11/04/2006

CPS secures guilty pleas in Darley Oaks Farm blackmail case

The final defendant has pleaded guilty in the Crown Prosecution Service's case against four animal rights protesters accused of conspiracy to blackmail in a campaign to shut down Darley Oaks guinea pig farm in Staffordshire. The campaign culminated in the theft of the body of Gladys Hammond, the mother-in-law of one of the farm's owners.

07/04/2006

CPS continues to boost staff diversity

The Crown Prosecution Service continues to increase the numbers of senior female employees and Black and Minority Ethnic legal trainees, according to the CPS Annual Equalities in Employment Report 2004-2005. The report was produced by the CPS HR Information and Employee Well-being Team.

03/04/2006

First phase of Statutory Charging goes live a year ahead of schedule

The national roll out of Statutory Charging, a new scheme which should ensure that up to 30,000 additional offences are brought to justice each year, has been completed today. Devon and Cornwall is the last of the 42 criminal justice Areas in England and Wales to move to the Scheme following an ambitious and successful roll out programme.

24/03/2006

CPS sends signal to illegal employers after Morecambe Bay convictions

The Crown Prosecution Service says today's convictions of three people in connection with the drowning of 21 cockle pickers at Morecambe Bay in 2004 is a signal of intent towards employers who risk their employees' lives.

20/03/2006

CPS praises "tremendous courage" of Mary-Ann's friend

The Crown Prosecution Service says the testimony given by the victim who survived the attack that killed schoolgirl Mary-Ann Leneghan was crucial in securing justice for both of them. Six men have been convicted at Reading Crown Court in relation to the attack on the night of 6th May 2005.

15/03/2006

CPS campaign warns abusers 'it's criminal'

The Crown Prosecution Service has linked up with voluntary organisations working on behalf of victims facing abuse in a campaign to highlight the problem of violence against women and children and to warn offenders of the charges they face if they are prosecuted.

14/03/2006

CPS welcomes publication of second tranche of performance reports

Reports published today on the performance of 20 CPS areas, including CPS London, have given all except one area a fair or better assessment.

13/03/2006

CPS seeks to reassure and listen to Muslim communities

The Crown Prosection Service has started a series of events in England and Wales to explain its work and policies to Muslim communities and listen to their concerns. The first meeting was held in London, in partnership with the Mayor of London.

09/03/2006

CPS prosecutors to make World Cup debut

Crown Prosecution Service lawyers will work alongside British police in a foreign country for the first time at this summer's football World Cup in Germany. CPS prosecutors will make sure any English trouble makers will face banning orders when they return home.

22/02/2006

Court of Appeal upholds murder convictions of Whomes & Steele

The Court of Appeal today upheld the convictions of Jack Whomes and Michael Steele for the murders of three men in Rettendon, Essex, 10 years ago. The court also upheld the conviction, for drug offences, of their co-defendant, Peter Corry.

15/02/2006

CPS responds to NAO report on the effective use of magistrates' courts hearings

The Crown Prosecution Service welcomed the National Audit Office report on the CPS's effective use of magistrates courts, published today and issued the following response:

14/02/2006

DPP issues new guidance on disclosure to prosecutors

Prosecutors have been given detailed new guidance on dealing with disclosure issues concerning expert witnesses, as the result of a high-profile project chaired by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

09/02/2006

Sion Jenkins not guilty of Billie-Jo's murder

The acquittal of Sion Jenkins for the murder of his foster daughter, Billie-Jo Jenkins, has brought to an end one of the most difficult cases Sussex Crown Prosecution Service has handled.

08/02/2006

Joint CPS and Metropolitan statement - Abu Hamza

Joint statement from Sue Hemming, Head of Counter Terrorism Division, Crown Prosecution Service, and DAC Peter Clarke, Head of Anti-Terrorist Branch Metropolitan Police Service.

07/02/2006

Abu Hamza convicted of eleven charges

Abu Hamza was convicted at the Old Bailey today of six counts of soliciting to murder, three counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, one count of possessing threatening, abusive or insulting recordings of sound and one count of possessing a document containing information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

01/02/2006

Crown Prosecution Service statement regarding 'Big Brother' fur coat

The Crown Prosecution Service has decided that no prosecution should follow in relation to a Colobus Monkey fur coat taken into the Big Brother house by Pete Burns.

23/01/2006

CPS begins monthly publication of case outcomes

From today the Crown Prosecution Service will publish a monthly analysis of the outcomes of its prosecution cases on its website.

20/12/2005

CPS advises Metropolitan Police over allegations against senior Customs officials

The Crown Prosecution Service has advised the Metropolitan Police Service over allegations made against four senior Customs officials relating to Mr Justice Butterfield's review of a number of failed HM Customs and Excise cases and a related police investigation.

19/12/2005

CPS advises no prosecution following death of teenager in custody

The Crown Prosecution Service has advised Northamptonshire Police there should be no prosecution over the death of Gareth Myatt, 15, who was an inmate at Rainsbrook Secure Training Centre, near Rugby.

14/12/2005

Doctor cleared over patients' deaths

The trial of Dr Howard Martin, accused of murder following the deaths of three of his patients, was one of the most difficult cases considered by Durham Crown Prosecution Service, said reviewing lawyer David Chadwick.

13/12/2005

CPS welcomes publication of performance reports

Reports on the performance of 22 CPS areas show that 19 were fair or better, of which two were excellent. The areas rated excellent or good constitute 55 per cent of the total.

06/12/2005

CPS decision in Ladbroke Grove collision

The Crown Prosecution Service announced today that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction of any individual for any offences in relation to the fatal train crash at Ladbroke Grove, London, on 5 October 1999.

02/12/2005

CPS welcomes sentencing on illegal internet trading in wildlife products

Today's sentencing at Swaffham Magistrates' Court of teenager Mark Rowland for illegally trading stuffed animals and birds on internet auction site Ebay has been welcomed by the CPS. Mr Rowland received an 8 months suspended jail sentence, 200 hours unpaid work, 225 costs and forfeiture of his stock of wildlife products.

30/11/2005

Merseyside Chief Crown Prosecutor condemns racist murder of Anthony Walker

Anthony Walker's life was taken by a callous and premeditated act of hate, said Paul Whittaker, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Merseyside.

30/11/2005

Barton & Taylor guilty of axe murder of Anthony Walker

The horrific axe murder of teenager Anthony Walker was one of the worst cases seen by the reviewing lawyer in the case, Colin Davies, head of the serious and complex crime division for Merseyside Crown Prosecution Service.

30/11/2005

CPS lawyer named Legal Personality of the Year

A director of London's Crown Prosecution Service who highlighted the scandal of honour crimes has been honoured by UK-based Asian lawyers.

22/11/2005

CPS announces decision on Abigail Witchalls case

The police investigation into the attack on Abigail Witchalls revealed evidence that would have been sufficient to commence a prosecution against Richard Cazaly for the offence, the CPS announced today.

15/11/2005

DPP launches good practice for domestic violence prosecutors

The Director of Public Prosecutions today launched a new good practice guide for crown prosecutors who deal with domestic violence cases.

11/11/2005

CPS publishes latest racist and religious crime data

The Crown Prosecution Service prosecuted 4,660 defendants for racially aggravated offences between April 1, 2004 and March 31 2005, according to a report published today. This has risen by 29 per cent over 2003 - 2004. The conviction rate for all offences charged was 84 per cent compared to 86 per cent in 2003 - 2004.

10/11/2005

DPP refers William Dunlop case to Court of Appeal as first under double jeopardy law

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald, QC, has today given his consent for the case of William Dunlop to be referred to the Court of Appeal - the first under the double jeopardy law.

09/11/2005

People power champion wins award

Angela O'Connor, Human Resources Director for the Crown Prosecution Service has been named as Personnel Director of the Year at the Daily Telegraph Business Awards.

04/11/2005

Family guilty of killing teenage boy in "honour crime" trial

Members of a teenage girl's family have been found guilty of killing the boy she loved in a case described by Thames Valley Crown Prosecution Service's reviewing lawyer Shan Saunders as tragic for everyone concerned.

24/10/2005

UK hosts conference to fight human trafficking across Europe

The work of the Crown Prosecution Service and the police will be part of a Europe-wide conference on human trafficking and illegal immigration just a week after three people in Sheffield were jailed for up to 21 years for trafficking women into the sex trade.

20/10/2005

CPS decision in Henry (Harry) Stanley case

The Crown Prosecution Service announced today it has advised Surrey Police that there is insufficient evidence to charge Chief Inspector Neil Sharman and Police Constable Kevin Fagan with any offence in relation to the fatal shooting of Henry (Harry) Stanley in a London street in September 1999.

19/10/2005

CPS high tech crime specialists leading the fight against cyber crime

The challenges facing the Crown Prosecution Service's 110 strong network of high tech crime specialists will be outlined at a conference on Child Pornography on the Internet today.

17/10/2005

CPS statement: Potters Bar rail crash

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has advised British Transport Police (BTP) on whether criminal charges should be brought in relation to the Potters Bar derailment in May 2002.

17/10/2005

Release of prosecution material to the media: CPS, ACPO and media representatives agree protocol

A Protocol setting out details of prosecution material that will normally be released to the media has been agreed between the Crown Prosecution Service, the Association of Chief Police Officers and media representatives.

12/10/2005

Danielle Beccan murder: Andrews & Kelly guilty

The senseless murder of schoolgirl Danielle Beccan was a cowardly and despicable crime, said Nottinghamshire Crown Prosecution Service's Prosecution Team Leader, Martin Bramley.

12/10/2005

Technology supports bringing more criminals to justice. Benefits of CPS IT programme recognised

The COMPASS Programme at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been awarded "GREEN" status - the highest rating - in its latest review by the Office for Government Commerce (OGC) which operates a stringent multi-stage assessment process for technology investments in the public sector.

30/09/2005

Freedom of Information statistics

Figures released today by the Department for Constitutional Affairs show that the CPS continues to respond in good time to the vast majority of Freedom of Information requests.

23/09/2005

Crown Prosecution Service statement on conclusion of Andrew Rowe trial

An Old Bailey jury today convicted Andrew Rowe of two counts of possession of an article for terrorist purposes after a 12 day trial.

16/09/2005

CPS continues fight against sex trade traffickers

The latest Crown Prosecution Service case against human traffickers ended today with the sentencing of Viktoras Larcenko, the last member of a gang convicted for smuggling girls from Lithuania in 2003 and forcing them into prostitution with threats and violence. In total the gang received 51 years.

06/09/2005

CPS was right to prosecute over Hatfield train crash, says DPP

The Crown Prosecution Service was acting correctly when it brought a prosecution following the Hatfield train crash, said the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald QC.

23/08/2005

CPS Statement on death of Philip Prout

The Crown Prosecution Service has advised that there is insufficient evidence for a prosecution against any officer from Devon and Cornwall Police following the fatal shooting of Mr Philip Prout by armed police officers in Cornwall last year.

01/08/2005

Direct Legal Advice speeds up Immigration Prosecutions

A new system which gives immigration officers direct access to round the clock legal advice from Crown Prosecution Service lawyers comes into operation today.

27/07/2005

CPS publish first full set of Homophobic Crime figures

The Crown Prosecution Service today released its first full set of figures for hate crimes committed against members of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities (LGBT) in England and Wales.

23/07/2005

Freedom of Information Statistics

The CPS is pleased that is has achieved such high levels of timeliness. This is due to thorough preparation for the coming into force of the Act, focussed training and a dedicated and skilled FOI team.

21/07/2005

Crown Prosecution Service response to Judgements in Four Appeals involving Shaken Baby Syndrome Issues

Today's judgment sends a clear signal validating the approach used by the CPS in prosecuting Shaken Baby Syndrome cases. The Geddes theory will no longer be used by the defence. The CPS will continue to prosecute appropriately in order to protect infants - the most vulnerable victims in our society.

19/07/2005

Kamel Bourgass Murder Appeal Rejected : CPS Statement

The High Court today dismissed the appeal against conviction of Kamel Bourgass, for the murder of policeman DC Stephen Oake during a police raid on a flat in Manchester in January 2003. This followed the discovery of poison making material in a flat in Wood Green, London.

18/07/2005

CPS secures Historic Torture Conviction

Farayadi Sawar Zardad, 41, has been convicted in London of conspiracy to commit torture and take hostages in Afghanistan between 1991 and 1996.

13/07/2005

DPP Reports on CPS Progress and Reform in past year

The CPS has continued to make progress towards the vision of it becoming a world class prosecuting authority, Ken Macdonald QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, has said in his Annual Report to the Attorney General.

28/06/2005

More domestic violence abusers convicted in CPS project

Pilot schemes providing better support to domestic violence victims and extra training to police, prosecutors and magistrates have increased convictions and reduced the number of cases which collapse because witnesses do not turn up, according to an independent report published today.

28/06/2005

CPS response to Inspectorate report on the CPS Anti-Social Behaviour Project

The Crown Prosecution Service has welcomed the findings of a CPS Inspectorate Report on the way it is tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) and social impact crime.

23/06/2005

CPS convicts bogus spy

16/06/2005

CPS wins Training Award for 2nd Year

The Crown Prosecution Service's Legal Trainee Scheme has been judged 'Best Recruiter & Trainer - In-house & Public Sector', for the second consecutive year.

16/06/2005

CPS Concludes review of Roger Sylvester Case

The Crown Prosecution Service has today concluded after very careful and lengthy consideration that there is insufficient evidence to justify the prosecution of any person in relation to the tragic death of Roger Sylvester. Solicitors representing Mr Sylvester's family and those representing the police officers were informed this morning, as were Essex police who conducted the investigation.

26/05/2005

R v Holliday and others

Following the conviction of eight men at Bow St Magistrates Court today for section 5 public order offences relating to an incident at the Houses of Parliament last September the prosecutor Simon Clements, CPS Director for South London said:

25/05/2005

CPS wins at Race Equality Awards

The Crown Prosecution Service has been voted 'Best Employer In-house Legal Departments and Public Sector' at the inaugural Solicitors Race Equality Awards, by the Law Society and the Commission for Racial Equality.

06/05/2005

CPS cybercrime training pays off

The Crown Prosecution Service has struck a blow in the fight against computer crime after four men were convicted of an international multi-million pound software fraud. Sentences given today for the four software pirates totalled seven and a half years.

13/04/2005

Crown Prosecution Service statement on convictions of Kamel Bourgass

On April 8 2005, after a seven month trial, a jury at the Old Bailey found Kamel Bourgass guilty of conspiring to commit a public nuisance by the use of poisons and/or explosives to cause disruption, fear or injury.

07/04/2005

R v Kevin Williams

The Crown offered no evidence in the case of R v Kevin Williams at the Old Bailey sitting at the Royal Courts of Justice today. He was formally acquitted of the charge by the trial judge Mrs Justice Heather Hallett.

22/03/2005

CPS Statement – R v Rayment and others

Her Honour Judge Anne Goddard QC has discharged the jury in the trial of R v Rayment and others at the Old Bailey today.

18/03/2005

CPS sets new standard for witness care at Birmingham shootings trial

Crown Prosecution Service care for witnesses in this murder trial has set precedents for future cases where those giving evidence fear for their lives, said West Midlands Chief Crown Prosecutor David Blundell.

16/03/2005

CPS decides not to prosecute doctors following complaint by Rev Joanna Jepson

West Mercia Crown Prosecution Service has decided there should be no prosecution of two doctors over the abortion of a foetus with a bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate.

25/02/2005

Animal rights activist sentenced to 6 and a half years

The case of animal rights activist Sarah Gisborne, who was today sentenced to six and a half years in prison for conspiracy to cause £40,000 criminal damage to cars, demonstrated the close working between Cambridgeshire's Crown Prosecution Service and Police, said Chief Crown Prosecutor Richard Crowley.

25/02/2005

New units give power back to witnesses

More than a hundred specialist Witness Care Units will be set up by the Crown Prosecution Service and police by the end of the year and will transform the support provided to victims and witnesses across England and Wales.

23/02/2005

CPS prosecutor crosses the floor to become judge

The first Crown Prosecution Service lawyer to become a Deputy District Judge (Magistrates Court) was appointed today. Duncan Birrell, a Crown prosecutor at Lancashire CPS, was one of 25 successful candidates selected from a pool of nearly 500 lawyers from the public and private sectors who applied for the posts.

11/02/2005

More women and minority ethnic staff now work at CPS

The Crown Prosecution Service has seen marked increases in the numbers of senior female employees and the numbers of Black and Minority Ethnic legal trainees in the past year. The findings are revealed in the CPS Annual Equalities in Employment Report 2003-2004.

03/02/2005

CPS to confiscate gangmaster's illegal assets after guilty verdict

Norfolk Crown Prosecution Service will now apply to confiscate the illegal assets made by gangmaster Victor Solomka after he was convicted today of breaches of immigration law and money laundering.

01/02/2005

CPS launches revised Domestic Violence Policy

With nearly 16 million incidents of domestic violence annually in the UK, the CPS today continued its commitment to tackling domestic violence with the launch of a revised policy, guidance and training programme for prosecuting cases of domestic violence.

01/02/2005

Guidance published on use of force by householders against intruders

Guidance for householders on the force they can use to tackle intruders was published jointly today by the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Crown Prosecution Service. It reaffirms that householders can use reasonable force to defend themselves, their families and homes.

28/01/2005

Prison mutiny case was biggest ever handled by Lincs CPS

The end of the trial of the 26th defendant following the mutiny at Lincoln Prison brings to a conclusion the biggest ever case handled by the CPS in Lincolnshire, said Chief Crown Prosecutor Alison Kerr.

21/01/2005

Michael Stone - Response to Full Judgement

The Appeal Court has today given its reasons for dismissing Michael Stone's appeal against his conviction for the murder of Lin and Megan Russell and attempted murder of Josie Russell in 1996.

19/01/2005

Michael Stone appeal dismissed

The Appeal Court has today (Wednesday 19 January) dismissed Michael Stone's appeal against his conviction for the murder of Lin and Megan Russell and the attempted murder of Josie Russell.

18/01/2005

CPS racist and religious crime data published

The number of defendants dealt with by the Crown Prosecution Service for racially motivated crimes rose by 13 per cent last year according to a report published today.

13/01/2005

Homeowners and self defence - DPP issues further details of cases

Examples of cases where householders have not been prosecuted for attacking intruders have been given by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald QC.

12/01/2005

CPS statement: Self Defence

CPS supports today's announcement by the Home Office.

11/01/2005

CPS will use new powers against serious and organised crime says DPP

Specialist prosecutors will make full use of important new legal powers to help smash organised crime gangs, the Director of Public Prosecutions Ken Macdonald QC said today.

07/01/2005

CPS announces further prosecutions in Michael Powell case

Eight police officers are to be prosecuted for misconduct in a public office following the death in custody of Michael Powell, the Crown Prosecution Service announced today.

30/12/2004

CPS 'honour crimes' lawyer receives OBE

Nazir Afzal, Director, CPS London West, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List for his work with the CPS and his involvement with the local community. In December 2004 he made international news heading the first CPS conference on 'honour crimes'.

30/12/2004

CPS terrorism specialist in New Year Honours

The head of the CPS branch with responsibility for conducting terrorist casework, Sue Hemming, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List.

20/12/2004

R v Burrell - CPS statement

The Crown offered no evidence in the case of R v Burrell at the Old Bailey today. The judge discharged the jury in the trial on 9 December and directed the prosecution to inform the court today if it would be making an application for a retrial. The prosecution has considered the matter and informed the court this morning that it will be offering no evidence in the case.

15/12/2004

CPS Advises no prosecution of Prof. Dick Van Velzen over Alder Hey

The Crown Prosecution Service has decided there should be no prosecution of Prof Dick Van Velzen for criminal offences after a thorough police inquiry following the publication of the Redfern Report into the Royal Liverpool Children's NHS Trust Hospital (Alder Hey).

13/12/2004

Project improves witness attendance at Court

Specialist witness care units improved witness attendance at court by nearly 20 percent in five criminal justice areas according to an independent evaluation report into the pilot phase of 'No Witness No Justice', a joint Crown Prosecution Service and police project.

10/12/2004

NAO report praises CPS Equality and Diversity work

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been hailed as exemplary in recognition of the public consultation of stakeholders which underpins its Public Policy Statement on Racist and Religious Crime.

09/12/2004

Homeowners and self-defence: DPP issues correction

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald QC, has issued the following statement in relation to an error in the article on page 1 of today's Daily Telegraph:

02/12/2004

Bieber guilty of Boxing Day murder of police officer

David Francis Bieber was not just avoiding arrest when he carried out the cold blooded and deliberate murder of PC Ian Broadhurst and the attempted murders of two other officers, said Liz Frain, the reviewing lawyer in the case for West Yorkshire Crown Prosecution Service.

16/11/2004

New Code for Crown Prosecutors sees CPS come of age in the 21st century, says DPP

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald, QC, said the new Code for Crown Prosecutors released today "reflects the Crown Prosecution Service coming of age, with the confidence to take its place at the centre of the criminal justice system".

04/11/2004

CPS clarifies access to prosecution material

The Crown Prosecution Service has issued clarification on access by the media to prosecution material and has given more detail of what material can be released.

28/10/2004

Previous allegations concerning Paul Smith

CPS Lincolnshire received a file concerning an allegation of kidnap against Paul Smith in June 2002, together with an allegation of dangerous driving for a separate, unrelated, road traffic accident on the same date.

22/10/2004

CPS wins top race award

The Crown Prosecution Service has scooped a prestigious award for organisational excellence on equality and diversity, seeing off stiff competition from criminal justice partners and other parts of the public sector. The award was in particular recognition of the community consultation, which underpinned the CPS policy on prosecuting racist and religious crime. Three other CPS projects also received commendations.

10/08/2004

CPS publishes first homophobic crime data

Initial figures released today by the Crown Prosecution Service show a conviction rate of almost 71% for hate crimes committed against members of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities (LGBT) in England and Wales.

30/07/2004

CPS welcomes plans to tackle animal rights extremism

The Crown Prosecution Service welcomes the new measures announced today to tackle animal rights extremism. The measures will assist the specially trained network of prosecutors across the country when dealing with these cases.

27/07/2004

CPS handles biggest ever murder case for young witnesses

Special measures to allow the biggest ever number of young witnesses - 20 under the age of 16 - to give evidence were applied for by the Crown Prosecution Service for the murder trial following the death of Luke Walmsley, said a senior CPS lawyer.

15/07/2004

DPP reports on CPS transformation

The CPS is building on recent achievements to take its proper place as a world-class prosecution service Ken Macdonald QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, has said in his Annual Report to the Attorney General.

12/07/2004

DPP publishes statement of CPS independence

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald QC, today published a Statement of CPS Independence, which has been issued to all CPS staff.

07/07/2004

CPS decision on Firle Bonfire case

The Crown Prosecution Service has advised Sussex Police there should be no prosecutions for incitement to racial hatred or public order offences following an incident during the annual firework display and bonfire in Firle, Sussex, last October.

01/07/2004

CPS decision on article by Robert Kilroy-Silk

The Crown Prosecution Service has advised the Metropolitan Police that no action be taken against Mr Robert Kilroy-Silk over an article published in the Sunday Express newspaper in January 2004.

30/06/2004

Launch of CPS rape policy statement

A new public policy statement on how rape cases are handled will be launched by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald QC, and the Solicitor General, The Rt Hon Harriet Harman, QC MP, at the end of the month.

28/06/2004

Charging scheme already making a significant contribution to Narrowing the Justice Gap

The first phase of a new scheme that requires Crown Prosecutors to make the charging decision in all but the most minor cases is beginning to replicate the significant benefits achieved in pilot schemes and is demonstrating the potential to bring a further 30,000 additional offences to justice each year according to the latest data from the Crown Prosecution Service.

23/06/2004

CPS beats big names for National Training Award

The Crown Prosecution Service's Legal Trainee Scheme has been judged 'Best Recruiter & Trainer - In-house & Public Sector', in a recent legal training and recruitment awards ceremony.

11/06/2004

Head of CPS Gloucestershire awarded OBE

Roger Coe-Salazar, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Gloucestershire, has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

11/06/2004

CPS Soham lawyer In Queen's Birthday Honours

11/06/2004

CPS Lincolnshire's head in Queen's Birthday Honours list

Alison Kerr the Chief Crown Prosecutor for Lincolnshire has been awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

27/05/2004

Request by United States for extradition of Abu Hamza

Abu Hamza appeared this afternoon before Senior District Judge Workman of Bow St Magistrates' Court, sitting at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court, in connection with a request from the United States of America for his extradition.

19/05/2004

Inspectors praise CPS improved response to racist crime

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald QC, has welcomed a report by HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate which finds that the CPS has made real progress in the past two years in its handling of cases arising from racist incidents.

10/05/2004

New CPS website prioritises accessibility

The Crown Prosecution Service's redesigned public website www.cps.gov.uk now makes it possible for an estimated five million more people to learn about the CPS and its work.

10/05/2004

Maxine Carr pleads guilty to deception

Maxine Carr has today admitted 20 counts of deception and obtaining pecuniary advantage between 1996 and 2002.

05/05/2004

CPS advise on Stephen Lawrence re-investigation

The Crown Prosecution Service has today advised officers from the Metropolitan Police Service that there is insufficient evidence to prosecute anyone for the murder of Stephen Lawrence and the attack on Duwayne Brooks following a re-investigation into the crime.

01/05/2004

New sex laws reflect modern society says DPP

Protection of the young and vulnerable and tougher penalties for dangerous criminals are the aims of the new Sexual Offences Act, which comes into force today.

29/04/2004

Groundbreaking sentence increase for human trafficker

Today the Court of Appeal more than doubled the sentence - from 10 to 23 years - against Luan Plakici, convicted last December of organising a human trafficking ring which forced women into prostitution, following an appeal by the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith QC. It was the first time the Court of Appeal had to consider a case involving the trafficking of women.

29/04/2004

Extended role for CPS caseworkers

Designated caseworkers at the Crown Prosecution Service will be dealing with a wider range of cases at magistrates’ courts after the Director of Public Prosecutions extended the remit of their work this week.

27/04/2004

Reporter has prison photos case dismissed

The case against News of the World reporter David Martin McGee was dismissed today by District Judge Terry English after legal argument at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court. Mr McGee was accused of taking a camera into Woodhill Prison and taking the camera and pictures of Ian Huntley – later convicted of the Soham murders – out of prison.

22/04/2004

Specialist prosecutors will spearhead community fight against anti-social behaviour

A new team of specialist prosecutors to crack down on anti-social behaviour was launched today by the Home Secretary, Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions.

06/04/2004

CPS racist and religious crime data published

The number of defendants dealt with by the Crown Prosecution Service for racially motivated crimes rose by 12.4 per cent last year according to a report published today. The report also includes figures for religiously aggravated crimes for the first time.

26/03/2004

Maxine Carr indictment

The following indictment has been lodged with Peterborough Magistrate Court in respect of Maxine Ann Carr.

22/03/2004

Specialist Domestic Violence Courts point the way ahead

Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVCs) provide better support for victims and more effective, streamlined ways of dealing with domestic violence, according to an independent report published today.

18/03/2004

Review of the Code for Crown Prosecutors

Changes in the law have prompted a review of the Code for Crown Prosecutors, which is issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions and gives the general principles to be applied when making decisions about prosecutions.

11/03/2004

CPS to prosecute Maxine Carr for deception

The Crown Prosecution Service has today decided to prosecute Maxine Carr on 12 counts of deception and obtaining pecuniary advantage between 1996 and 2002.

02/03/2004

Statement on CPS change of name

Ken Macdonald QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, today clarified the position about a possible name change for The Crown Prosecution Service. He said:

26/02/2004

Statement on R v Katharine Gun

Senior Treasury Counsel prosecuting this case gave advice, with which the Director of Public Prosecutions fully concurred, that there was no longer a realistic prospect of convicting Katharine Gun.

19/02/2004

CPS celebrate innovation in equality and diversity

Innovative ideas to promote equality and diversity within The Crown Prosecution Service have been celebrated at an awards ceremony held in Liverpool today.

04/02/2004

Victims and witnesses benefit from £27 million award

As part of the Government's ongoing programme to transform the experiences of victims and witnesses of crime and to reduce the number of trials that collapse, a new scheme was given the go ahead today following a £27m award from the Government's Invest to Save initiative.

07/01/2004

Humberside's most prolific paedophile jailed for 18 years

A children's facepainter from Bridlington was sentenced at Hull Crown Court today to 18 years in prison. Glyn Martin, 53, pleaded guilty on January 4 to 57 counts of indecency with a child, abducting children, administering a noxious substance, indecent assault and taking indecent photographs of children.