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Decision to Charge

Once the Police have completed their investigations, they will refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service for advice on how to proceed. We will then make a decision on whether a suspect should be charged, and what that charge should be.

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Prosecuting Homicide

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

Manslaughter can be committed in one of three ways:

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

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

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

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

Find out more about prosecuting homicide

Home » News Centre » Press Statements » Corporate manslaughter charge over death of 11 year old girl during banana boat ride

Corporate manslaughter charge over death of 11 year old girl during banana boat ride

31/01/2013

Elizabeth Joslin, Specialist Prosecutor in the Special Crime Division of the Crown Prosecution Service said: "I have carefully reviewed all of the evidence gathered by the Metropolitan Police and the Hounslow Environmental Health Department during their investigation into the tragic death of Mari-Simon Cronje.

"Mari-Simon died aged 11 during a birthday celebration at the Prince's Sporting Club in Bedfont, Middlesex on 11 September 2010. She died after falling from a banana boat ride and being hit by the boat that had been towing it.

"I have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to charge the Prince's Sporting Club Ltd with both corporate manslaughter and an offence under section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Section 3 requires all employers to conduct their business in a way that ensures, so far as is reasonably practicable, that others are not exposed to risk.

"Additionally, I have concluded that Glen Walker, a director of the Prince's Sporting Club Ltd, should also be charged under section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

"This decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

"The company and Glen Walker will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 19 February 2013.

"I extend my sympathies to the family of Mari-Simon Cronje."

Ends