§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Attorney-General at what date the Crown Prosecution Service learnt of the verdicts of unlawful killing in respect of(a) Richard O'Brien and (b) Shiji Lapite; and when in each case the Crown Prosecution Service expects to reach a decision whether to prosecute. [28717]
§ The Attorney-GeneralEvidence gathered during the police investigation into the death of Richard O'Brien was reviewed by the Crown Prosecution Service. On 30 January 1995, it was concluded that there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence of homicide. The Crown Prosecution Service learnt of the verdict of unlawful killing in respect of Richard O'Brien on 10 November 1995. The Crown Prosecution Service has requested transcripts of the evidence given at the inquest and some of the material was received on 4 and 22 April 1996. Once the transcripts have been received they will be carefully considered together with the evidence available prior to the inquest and, subject to any further enquiries that may prove necessary, the Crown Prosecution Service will then decide whether or not the evidence is now sufficient to justify proceedings.
On 18 July 1995, the Crown Prosecution Service advised the police that the then available evidence was insufficient to provide a realistic prospect of conviction of any person for homicide arising from the death of Shiji Lapite. The Crown Prosecution Service learnt of the verdict of unlawful killing in respect of Mr. Shiji Lapite on 26 January 1996. All the transcripts of evidence and copies of documents produced to the inquest jury were received by 18 March 1996. This material is being considered together with the evidence available prior to the inquest and once this has been done the Crown Prosecution Service will decide whether or not the evidence is now sufficient to justify proceedings.