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07/12/2005
No individual prosecutions over Ladbroke Grove crash
No individuals will face prosecution over the 1999 Ladbroke Grove rail crash, the Crown Prosecution Service has announced.
The CPS said there was “insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction” of any individuals in relation to the crash. However, Network Rail (formerly Railtrack) will be prosecuted under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Thirty-one people were killed and over 400 injured, when a Thames Trains train went through a red signal and hit a Great Western Express, travelling to London, on October 5, 1999.
Thames Trains pleaded guilty to health and safety offences in relation to the crash and was fined £2 million last year.
Chris Newell, CPS Principal Legal Adviser, said: “I know this decision will come as a bitter disappointment to those left bereaved and seriously injured as a result of the Ladbroke Grove collision, but the Crown Prosecution Service is bound to follow the tests set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors and to apply the law in the way in which it is interpreted by the courts.
“I have extended an invitation to meet with those people who were directly affected by this tragedy in order to explain further the reasons for our decision.”
The CPS admitted that the result of the trial over the Hatfield rail crash had “fatally weakened” the potential case. Manslaughter charges against five rail bosses were dropped in July this year, after Mr Justice Mackay ordered the jury to find the executives not guilty.
The CPS said it was “satisfied” that Judge Mackay’s approach would be followed by a judge trying to establish a case of manslaughter arising out of the Ladbroke Grove crash. “It demonstrated how difficult it is for the prosecution to establish gross negligence to the criminal standard of proof,” the CPS statement said.
(KMcA/SP)
The CPS said there was “insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction” of any individuals in relation to the crash. However, Network Rail (formerly Railtrack) will be prosecuted under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Thirty-one people were killed and over 400 injured, when a Thames Trains train went through a red signal and hit a Great Western Express, travelling to London, on October 5, 1999.
Thames Trains pleaded guilty to health and safety offences in relation to the crash and was fined £2 million last year.
Chris Newell, CPS Principal Legal Adviser, said: “I know this decision will come as a bitter disappointment to those left bereaved and seriously injured as a result of the Ladbroke Grove collision, but the Crown Prosecution Service is bound to follow the tests set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors and to apply the law in the way in which it is interpreted by the courts.
“I have extended an invitation to meet with those people who were directly affected by this tragedy in order to explain further the reasons for our decision.”
The CPS admitted that the result of the trial over the Hatfield rail crash had “fatally weakened” the potential case. Manslaughter charges against five rail bosses were dropped in July this year, after Mr Justice Mackay ordered the jury to find the executives not guilty.
The CPS said it was “satisfied” that Judge Mackay’s approach would be followed by a judge trying to establish a case of manslaughter arising out of the Ladbroke Grove crash. “It demonstrated how difficult it is for the prosecution to establish gross negligence to the criminal standard of proof,” the CPS statement said.
(KMcA/SP)
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17 October 2005
No criminal charges over Potters Bar rail crash
There will be no manslaughter charges brought over the Potters Bar rail crash, the Crown Prosecution Service has announced. The CPS said that there was no “realistic prospect of conviction” for charges of gross negligence manslaughter against any staff from operators Railtrack – now Network Rail – and engineering firm, Jarvis, or the firms.
No criminal charges over Potters Bar rail crash
There will be no manslaughter charges brought over the Potters Bar rail crash, the Crown Prosecution Service has announced. The CPS said that there was no “realistic prospect of conviction” for charges of gross negligence manslaughter against any staff from operators Railtrack – now Network Rail – and engineering firm, Jarvis, or the firms.
04 June 2013
65-Year-Old Yewtree Suspect Released Without Charge
Officers from Operation Yewtree, set up to investigate historical claims of sexual abuse, have released a 65-year-man without charge. The unnamed man was arrested in February on suspicion of sexual offences but has been released by the Metropolitan police who say there is insufficient evidence to prosecute.
65-Year-Old Yewtree Suspect Released Without Charge
Officers from Operation Yewtree, set up to investigate historical claims of sexual abuse, have released a 65-year-man without charge. The unnamed man was arrested in February on suspicion of sexual offences but has been released by the Metropolitan police who say there is insufficient evidence to prosecute.
10 November 2010
Rail Firm Faces Potters Bar Crash Charges
The Office of Rail Regulation has said Jarvis Rail, a network rail and maintenance company, are to be prosecuted over the 2002 Potters Bar crash. The London to King's Lynn train derailed after a points failure in May 2002, killing six people and a pedestrian. A report from the Health and Safety Executive blamed poor maintenance.
Rail Firm Faces Potters Bar Crash Charges
The Office of Rail Regulation has said Jarvis Rail, a network rail and maintenance company, are to be prosecuted over the 2002 Potters Bar crash. The London to King's Lynn train derailed after a points failure in May 2002, killing six people and a pedestrian. A report from the Health and Safety Executive blamed poor maintenance.
24 February 2014
Overseas Assets Recover To Be Priority For CPS
Specialist lawyers are to be sent overseas to work alongside foreign authorities to recover assets hidden by criminals. Criminal asset recovery is being made a priority for the Crown Prosecution Service by director of public prosecutions for England and Wales Alison Saunders.
Overseas Assets Recover To Be Priority For CPS
Specialist lawyers are to be sent overseas to work alongside foreign authorities to recover assets hidden by criminals. Criminal asset recovery is being made a priority for the Crown Prosecution Service by director of public prosecutions for England and Wales Alison Saunders.
25 July 2007
Three charged over death of soldier
Three servicemen are to be charged with manslaughter over the death of a 22-year-old private at barracks in Wiltshire last year. Gavin Williams, from Hengoed in Caerphilly, collapsed and died last July at Lucknow Barracks in Tidworth.
Three charged over death of soldier
Three servicemen are to be charged with manslaughter over the death of a 22-year-old private at barracks in Wiltshire last year. Gavin Williams, from Hengoed in Caerphilly, collapsed and died last July at Lucknow Barracks in Tidworth.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
