HC Deb 18 May 1995 vol 260 cc364-5W
Mr. Miller

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to refer the case of Paul Malone to the Court of Appeal; and if he will make a statement; [24894]

(2) what action he proposes to take following the Metropolitan police investigation into the case of Paul Malone. [24892]

Mr. Nicholas Baker

This case was referred to the Court of Appeal by my right hon. and learned Friend under section 17(l)(a) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968 on 8 December 1994. As the case remains sub judice it is not appropriate for me to comment. As my hon. Friend stated in his reply to a question from the hon. Member on 27 April 1995,Official Report, column 679, the report of the investigation by the Metropolitan police has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions who will decide whether any criminal charges should be brought. Once a decision has been made, the chief constable of Cheshire and the Police Complaints Authority will consider whether disciplinary action should be taken against any officer.