Monday 8 December 2008

Judge asks why tragedy case ended up in court

Following Mr Lee’s acquittal after the four-day trial at Reading Crown Court last week, Judge Bruce McIntyre demanded to know why the “unusual and sad case” went ahead.

He said: “Some time ago the mother of Shane Benham wrote to the CPS asking them to drop the charges taking the view that, tragic though it was, the person who was responsible was Shane himself.

“I would like an explanation in writing as to why this case went ahead.”

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Saturday 6 December 2008

Couple’s anger as CPS drop attack charges on yobs

A COUPLE viciously attacked by a gang of yobs say they have lost all faith in the criminal justice system after the case was dropped.

Maria and Jeff Readman from Thornaby were both left with lifelong injuries from the horrific assault in September 2007.

Their son Ryan, who was 15 at the time, was beaten as he tried to shield his mother.

The family, and another girl who was punched at the scene, identified the same man and several witnesses came forward to give statements to the police.

But they have been left devastated and disillusioned after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) revealed it was no longer proceeding with the case.

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Hain will not be prosecuted for undeclared donations

Yesterday the Crown Prosecution Service wound up its 10-month investigation saying it could not prove that Hain or his campaign team had handled the unreported donations and there was "insufficient evidence" to bring any charges.

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Couple’s anger as CPS drop attack charges on yobs

A COUPLE viciously attacked by a gang of yobs say they have lost all faith in the criminal justice system after the case was dropped.

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Friday 5 December 2008

CPS acts to strike out claims about royal protection squad made by former officer

Crown prosecutors are trying to strike out sensitive parts of the defence statement by Paul Page in which he claims widespread professional misconduct within the squad.

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Thursday 4 December 2008

Battered young mum told attacker will not be charged

A YOUNG mother who fell victim to a frenzied attack spoke of her anguish yesterday after prosecutors told her nobody will stand trial for the assault which tore her life apart.

Rain Shirley was punched to the ground then repeatedly kicked in the head when violence erupted in a Newquay hotel in the early hours.

Yet no criminal prosecution will be brought against the brute who left her with physical and emotional scars, after the Crown Prosecution Service decided it did not have sufficient evidence.

Yesterday, Rain, 23, told of the effects of her ordeal and her frustration at a criminal justice system that she claims is "built against the victim".

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Policeman cleared of sex claims

A policeman from Devon who was arrested and suspended from duty over allegations of sexual assault has been cleared of any offence.

The unnamed constable was alleged to have carried out the offence on 7 May.

However an investigation by the Crown Prosecution Service has revealed there is insufficient evidence to proceed with a prosecution.

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Monday 1 December 2008

Police union slams CPS for comments on Worthing police chief

THE POLICE union has called for a top Crown prosecutor to resign in the wake of comments made on the decision not to prosecute Worthing police chief Sharon Rowe with theft.

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Police theft inquiry 'deplorable'

The Police Federation said the handling of the case by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was "deplorable".

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Friday 28 November 2008

Thames Valley police leak case against Sally Murrer thrown out

"A journalist who was accused of obtaining police information illegally walked free from court today after a judge ruled that prosecution evidence against her was inadmissible."

...

"This judgment sends a clear message to the authorities: they must recognise the importance of free and open journalism. Hard questions must now be asked of the police and CPS as to why these costly proceedings were allowed to get so far."

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Charges over elderly care dropped

Staff at a care home where residents were dubbed "thieves" and left to sit in their own filth escaped prosecution after legal chiefs confirmed they would not appeal against a judge's ruling to halt proceedings.

Earlier this week, Judge David Ticehurst said Crown Prosecution Service failings meant two employees at Newsham House, in Gloucester, and two directors of ADL Plc, owners of the care home, would not have a fair trial.

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Wednesday 19 November 2008

Prosecutors failed to act on Baby P warning

On 1 August, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) phoned Baby P's mother to tell her she would not face charges. Two days later, the child died.

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Tuesday 11 March 2008

More than 2,000 serious criminal cases thrown out after prosecutors were not ready

More than 2,000 cases that should have gone to trial in the Crown Court were thrown out last year because they were not ready, a watchdog says today.

The cases involve serious offences including burglary, theft, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possession of drugs and possession with intent to supply drugs.

The inspectors of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) say today in their report on the performance of the service that even though this throw-out rate is better than it was, it remains poor. In total 2,325 cases were lost because prosecutors were not ready to proceed.

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CPS given lowest possible rating

Leicestershire's Crown Prosecution Service has been given a "poor" rating, the lowest possible ranking, after its latest government inspection.

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Friday 15 February 2008

Judges condemn police lies after 9/11 attacks that ruined pilot's life

Three of Britain’s most senior judges condemned the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service for abusing the court process, presenting false allegations and not disclosing evidence.

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