§ Tony CunninghamTo ask the Solicitor-General what her policy is on taking the views of the family of victims into account when deciding whether to prosecute following a death in police custody. [64438]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Crown Prosecution Service reviews all cases, including those involving death in police custody, in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. This provides that before considering whether it is the public interest to prosecute, there must be sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of a conviction. If the evidential test is satisfied, the Crown Prosecutor will take into account the628W consequences for the family and any views expressed by the victim's family when considering if it is in the public interest to prosecute.
The Attorney General, with the support of the Director of Public Prosecutions, is currently reviewing the prosecution process in cases arising from a death in custody and has issued a consultation paper on which he has taken steps to consult widely. The paper can be found on our website. On 23 May in this House, I invited hon. Members to respond to the paper and placed a copy in the Library of the House.