§ 23. Mr. Whiteheadasked the Attorney-General what considerations led him to decide that a prosecution for the murder of Lynn Siddons in Derby could not presently be brought; and what steps he plans to take to continue consideration of this case.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions was based solely on the 20 insufficiency of the evidence. I personally have considered the papers and am satisfied that it was the correct decision. There is no time limit on the institution of proceedings for murder, and the matter can be revived at any time if fresh evidence emerges.
§ Mr. WhiteheadI am grateful to the Attorney-General for his personal consideration of this matter. Is he aware of the grave disquiet in Derby that no one has been brought to book for this appalling crime, after one unsuccessful prosecution? While no one wishes to prejudice the fair trial of any named individual, police investigations must continue until evidence is complete to justify a prosecution.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI shall limit myself to saying that the existing position is one of evidential difficulties, as the hon. Gentleman knows. If any further evidence emerges, the matter will be reviewed immediately. The book is not shut. The entire issue will remain open. I hope that some evidence will come forward in the near future to enable this unsatisfactory state of affairs to be resolved.