§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the reasons for, and circumstances relating to, the decision of the CPS not to offer evidence at the trial of Linda Watson and Amanda London-Williams on 8 June 1999. [146125]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Crown Prosecution Service decided to offer no evidence in the case against Linda Watson and Amanda London-Williams only after very careful and detailed consultation between the Crown Prosecutor, Queen's and Junior counsel for the Crown and the Crown's forensic science expert. The decision that there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction was made following the late receipt of evidence from a forensic science expert for the defence about the trajectory of the fatal shots. The Crown's own forensic expert was unable to offer any evidence by way of rebuttal.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Solicitor-General for what reasons the senior CID officer overseeing the murder investigation relating to Richard Watson was not consulted prior to the decision by the Crown Prosecution Service not to present evidence in the trial of Linda Watson and Amanda London-Williams on 8 June 1999; and if he will make a statement. [146124]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Crown Prosecution Service decided to offer no evidence in the case against Linda Watson and Amanda London-Williams only after very careful and detailed consultation between the Crown Prosecutor, the Queen's counsel and Junior counsel for the Crown and the Crown's forensic science expert. The414W decision that there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction was made following the late receipt of evidence from a forensic science expert for the defence about the trajectory of the fatal shots. The Detective Inspector dealing with the police inquiry was kept fully informed as decisions were made.