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The Role of The Crown Prosecution Service

The Crown Prosecution Service is the government department responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police in England and Wales.

As the principal prosecuting authority in England and Wales, we are responsible for:

  • advising the police on cases for possible prosecution
  • reviewing cases submitted by the police
  • determining any charges in more serious or complex cases
  • preparing cases for court
  • presenting cases at court

Find out more about the role of the Crown Prosecution Service

Decision to Charge

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

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

Find out more about private prosecutions

Home » News Centre » Press Statements » CPS statement on sentencing of stockbroker Jonathan Bunn for false accounting

CPS statement on sentencing of stockbroker Jonathan Bunn for false accounting

01/07/2010

Following the 30 month sentence handed to stockbroker Jonathan Bunn today, Crown Prosecution Service reviewing lawyer and Head of Advocacy for the Central Fraud Group, David Levy, said:

"Jonathan Bunn went well beyond his authority when he gambled with his employer's reputation and money in the hope of bumping up his commission and today he is paying the price for his actions. It is clear he knew exactly what he was doing when, motivated by greed and personal gain, he carried out unauthorised trades worth around £38m. His sentence today sends a strong message to others, who might choose to treat their employer's repute and credibility in the market as their personal vehicle for gambling. It is clear that the courts take this type of criminality very seriously indeed.

"That Mr Bunn pleaded guilty to four counts of false accounting is testament to the strength of the City of London police investigation and the CPS case against him."

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