Archived News
2007
Date
Outline
21/11/2007
West Midlands CPS publishes leaflet on Honour Crimes and Forced Marriages
West Midlands CPS has launched a leaflet with the aim of encouraging more victims and witnesses to report so-called honour crimes and forced marriages.
9/10/2007
Comprehensive Spending Review
The Government has today announced the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review – which sets budgets and performance targets for government departments for the next three financial years (April 2008 to March 2011).
22/6/2007
Attorney General's Office news release - CPS proves to be a good performer in Government's Capability Review
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has made huge progress over the last few years, according to the Capability Review - published by the Cabinet Office today, 22nd June 2007. The Capability Review also places the CPS in a good position on the list of Whitehall departments evaluated by this review process.
26/3/2007
Corporate identity review
On 26 March, the CPS introduced its new logo, as part of an overall review of its corporate identity.
27/2/2007
Disability Hate Crime Policy published
The Crown Prosecution Service has published a public policy statement to explain how it will prosecute cases of disability hate crime. The CPS has developed this Disability Hate Crime Policy in consultation with a number of disability organisations.
21/2/2007
Youth case clarifies POCA legislation
A case involving a teenager notorious for his fraudulent activity on eBay has clarified the issue that existed within the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 - section 70.
23/1/2007
Security and Rights
The Director of Public Prosecutions gave a major speech on 'Security and Rights' to the Criminal Bar Association on 23rd January 2007. Full text attached.
2006
Date
Outline
5/12/2006
CPS Single Equality Scheme 2006-2010
The Crown Prosecution Service has published its first Single Equality Scheme, for the period 2006-2010. The Single Equality Scheme includes the CPS Disability Equality Scheme alongside its Race Equality Scheme and Gender Equality Scheme. The Scheme also sets out how the CPS will build equality and diversity in respect of age, religion or belief, sexuality and gender identity.
1/12/2006
Memorandum of understanding on co-operation between the Office of the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation and the Crown Prosecution Service of England and Wales
The Crown Prosecution Service has published the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Deputy Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation and the Director of Public Prosecutions in London on 15 November 2006.
27/11/2006
CPS law clerk receives commendation from Judge in fraud case
Jill Savin, a law clerk for the CPS Special Casework Unit, has received a commendation from His Honour Judge Testar for her work in securing the convictions of ten men accused of fraud, totalling £3 million.
27/11/2006
Cockle-pickers investigation and prosecution wins Justice Shield
CPS Lancashire was one of the criminal justice agencies involved in Operation Lund which has scooped top prize in the Justice Awards 2006.
27/11/2006
CPS earns praise for promoting diversity
A report published by HMCPS Inspectorate has praised the steady progress achieved by the CPS in relation to work-force diversity.
4/10/2006
CPS advocate in Brazilian cleaner case
The CPS used one of its own advocates rather than instruct counsel to handle the sensational Brazilian cleaner blackmail case at the Old Bailey.
18/7/2006
CPS Annual Report and Resource Accounts 2005-06
The Director's Annual Report to the Attorney General and Resource Accounts, were laid before Parliament today.
22/5/2006
Treasury Counsel Review Report
The Attorney General Lord Goldsmith has accepted the recommendations of a review of the current Treasury Counsel arrangements.
5/5/2006
Victims' Advocates - Judicial Protocol Published
Applying to offences of murder or manslaughter charged after 24 April 2006, the Victims' Advocates pilot allows the family of a victim to make a statement in open court about the effect of the crime on their family.
2005
Date
Outline
10/11/2005
National recognition for local prosecutor
Saf Ibrahim, Senior Crown Prosecutor and Acting Team Leader of the Bristol Team in the Northern CJU, has received national recognition for his dedication to engaging local communities.
10/11/2005
CPS wins Local Justice Awards
CPS Avon and Somerset won several awards at the Avon & Somerset Criminal Justice Awards on 20th October 2005.
10/11/2005
CCP consults with local communities
David Archer, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Avon and Somerset, met with representatives of faith based and BME communities on 28th September 2005 to give an overview of the CPS and where we fit into the Criminal Justice System.
10/11/2005
Somerset Specialist Domestic Abuse Court increases cases brought to justice
The number of domestic abuse cases brought to justice in western Somerset from 61.8& at the end of last year to 72.3% in September.
10/11/2005
Hundreds turn out for the Old Bridewell Police Station open day
On Saturday 15th October representative from the police, CPS, Bristol Youth Offending Team and other Criminal Justice Agencies were on hand when hundreds of people flooded through the doors of Old Bridewell Police Station for a last chance to see inside the historic Bristol landmark.
10/11/2005
Taunton Witness Care Unit to the media
Following the successful launch of the Bristol Witness Care Unit in March, Avon and Somerset's second Witness Care Unit, based in Taunton, was officially launched to the media on Monday 17th October.
10/11/2005
South Somerset Magistrates Court throws open it's doors
On Saturday 22nd October, South Somerset Magistrates' Court in Yeovil welcomed around 400 visitors when members of the public were given the chance to see behind its doors.
9/11/2005
CPS to strengthen its commitment to Muslim community engagement
The first of a series of events focused on strengthening the CPS' commitment to engagement with Muslim communities takes place next year in Cardiff, with further events planned in early 2006.
4/11/2005
Consultation exercise - The Children's Charter
CPS Policy Directorate has prepared a document, the Children's Charter, explaining the way we deal with cases where children are involved as victims or witnesses. The Charter is for children, their parents, guardians and carers and for those who work to support children. Organisations that work with children have been involved in the preparation of the document.
21/10/2005
The Prosecutors' Pledge
From today, the Attorney General is introducing a ten point Pledge that describes the level of service that victims can expect to receive from prosecutors.
21/07/2005
The Criminal Case Management Framework
The Lord Chief Justice, the Attorney General, Lord Falconer and Fiona Mactaggart issued the second edition of the Criminal Case Management Framework (CCMF) on 21 July 2005.
23/03/2005
Inspection Reform: Establishing an Inspectorate for Justice and Community Safety
The proposals outlined in this consultation document 'Inspection Reform: Establishing an Inspectorate for Justice and Community Safety' will achieve a stronger inspectorate for the criminal justice system.
10/01/2005
London - CPS London takes to the web
A web site designed by CPS London to provide the public with a better understanding of the Area's work went live today (Monday 10th Jan).
2004
Date
Outline
12/11/2004
The Conditional Caution
Provision for Conditional Cautioning is one of the measures introduced by the Criminal Justice Act, 2003. (CJA 2003, Part 3, sections 22-27).
15/10/2004
Memorandum of Understanding between the CPS and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) concerning Section 46 Sexual Offences Act 2003
This Memorandum of Understanding between the CPS and ACPO has been drafted in accordance with domestic and European law and acknowledges those professionally involved in the management, operation or use of networks and services to be re-assured of protection where they are acting to combat the creation and distribution of images of child abuse.
21/07/2004
IPCC and CPS agreement will improve inquiries into deaths in police custody
A joint Crown Prosecution Service and Independent Police Complaints Commission agreement has been signed today to improve the effectiveness of investigations into deaths in police custody and other major incidents.
21/07/2004
The Criminal Case Management Framework
The Lord Chief Justice, the Attorney General, Lord Falconer and Baroness Scotland issued the Criminal Case Management Framework (CCMF) on 21 July 2004.
19/07/2004
A Vision for Justice - New CJS Strategic Plan launched
The Home Secretary, Lord Chancellor and Attorney General launched the first five year strategic plan for the criminal justice system which sets out the Government's vision of the system in 2008.
14/07/2004
Chief Inspector's report
The efforts of the CPS to communicate with victims, improve the treatment of vulnerable witnesses and engage the community have been praised by the Service's Chief Inspector.
14/07/04
Bedfordshire - Inspectors hail staff dedication
CPS Bedfordshire managers and staff have shown dedication in the face of heavier workloads and the introduction of new initiatives, say inspectors.
12/07/04
Hampshire - Chief Inspector praises staff
The head of the CPS Inspectorate has praised staff and managers of CPS Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for improving the Area's performance.
28/06/04
South Wales - Area praised over domestic violence case handling
South Wales Area's handling of domestic violence cases has been praised by CPS inspectors.
21/06/2004
CPS scoops top Legal Trainee award
The CPS has won top prize at the inaugural LawCareers.Net/Trainee Solicitors' Group Training and Recruitment Awards.
04/06/04
Hampshire & Isle of Wight - All grounds ban for football hooligan aged 10
A 10-year-old boy, thought to be the youngest person convicted of football hooliganism, has been banned from every ground in England and Wales.
02/06/04
Avon & Somerset - Chief Crown Prosecutor Speaks at Jewish Religious Festival
As part of CPS Avon & Somerset's ongoing community engagement programme, Chief Crown Prosecutor, David Archer gave a presentation about the CPS to the Bristol Progressive Jewish Congregation to mark the holy festival of Shavuot on 25th May. Speaking at the event, David said:
02/06/04
Hampshire & Isle of Wight - Area wins appeal over racist language case
Judges have ruled that the phrase "bloody foreigners" could be considered racist after CPS Hampshire appealed against a youth court decision.
02/06/04
Avon & Somerset - Interview with David Archer, Chief Crown Prosecutor
An interview with David Archer, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Avon & Somerset was broadcast by BBC Points West television news on Thursday 27th May.
02/06/2004
Sex tourist jailed after CPS advice
A concert pianist has become the first person to be convicted under Britain's new "sex tourism" laws following advice provided to police by CPS London.
17/05/04
Avon & Somerset - New Play And Workshops Tackle Diversity Issues
A new play launched on Thursday 13th May, commissioned by Avon and Somerset Criminal Justice Board (ASCJB) and part funded by the CPS, tackles diversity issues head on. The play was launched in Bristol and will then toured various venues across Avon & Somerset.
28/04/04
Sussex - Appeal Court Increases Sentence Of Worthing Man Convicted Of Racist Attack
Brett Charlton has had his sentence extended to three years by the Appeal Court in London for slashing a man’s throat in a racist attack in Worthing, Sussex.
08/04/04
Kent - Kent makes “significant progress” – Inspectorate
CPS Kent has made “significant progress” since its last inspection three years ago, partially or wholly meeting 27 of the 28 Inspectorate recommendations.
30/03/2004
CPS Law Scheme Praised By Campaigners
The CPS Law Scholarship Scheme has been praised by a group campaigning for equality for women.
23/03/04
Merseyside - Good Value For Money – Inspectors
CPS Merseyside is an Area that gives good value for money, according to Service inspectors.
23/03/04
Leicestershire - Inspectorate Praises CPS Leicestershire
The Crown Prosecution Service in Leicestershire provides a good service to victims and witnesses, according to a government report.
12/03/04
Gloucestershire - Praise for Gloucestershire’s work on PYO and sensitive cases
Inspectors have praised CPS Gloucestershire for its handling of PYOs and sensitive cases such as child abuse, rape and domestic violence.
27/02/2004
Proceeds of Crime is a CPS priority
The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 is a comprehensive piece of legislation with a range of powers that can help to contribute to disrupting and dismantling criminal enterprises.
25/02/2004
Statutory charging to be tested next month
Duty Prosecutors in Manchester will earn a place in criminal justice history on 1st March when they make the first legally-binding charging decisions.
04/02/04
Sussex - Graham Coutts Found Guilty Of Teacher’s Murder
Graham Coutts has been found guilty at Lewes Crown Court today of the murder of Jane Longhurst.
2003
Date
Outline
01/07/2003
First Annual Report on The CPS Race Equality Scheme
This report presents an overview of the work that has been carried out in the first year in order for The CPS to meet its statutory requirements under the Race Equality Scheme.
24/06/2003
CPS Law Scholarship scheme to be launched
The Solicitor General Harriet Harman will formally launch The CPS Law Scholarship on 24 June 2003
01/05/2003
Pre-trial Witness Interviews by Prosecutors
A public consultation paper
2002
Date
Outline
15/11/02
Surrey - Councillors Guilty Of Forgery
Three councillors of Havant Borough Council and one unsuccessful candidate were convicted of vote rigging by forging applications for a fake candidate and submitting false proxy and postal votes in two separate trials at Guildford Crown court.
18/10/2002
Justice for All
Justice for All White Paper
14/08/2002
Law Society: Study
Career experiences study commissioned
26/03/2002
Prosecution Advocates
Role
26/03/2002
Vulnerable and Intimidated Witnesses
Staff training under way
26/03/2002
Proceeds of Crime Bill
CPS discusses implications
26/03/2002
Global Crime : Conference
September 2002
26/03/02
Thames Valley - Honour For Designated Caseworker
a Designated Caseworker from CPS Thames Valley has been honoured with an award from the Chief Constable of Thames Valley at a special ceremony.
26/03/02
London - Bow Street Bows Out
CPS London: historic Bow Street Magistrate’s Court will eventually close under proposals announced by the Greater London Magistrates’ Courts Authority (GLMCA).
11/02/2002
CPS lawyers fight crime on Chunnel
Cross-channel gangsters
01/01/02
Cheshire - Drive for ethnic minority recruits
CPS Cheshire Area is among local agencies taking part in a Home Office-funded project aimed at boosting their recruitment of ethnic minority staff.