Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 January 2001. It was answered by Ross Cranston (Labour) on Monday, 22 January 2001 on behalf of the Solicitor General.

Solicitor-General

Question: To 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 8th June 1999.

Answer: Mr. Mackinlay: To 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-General: The 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.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 361 c412W;361 c413W; 146125
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Crown Prosecution Service Evidence Homicide Trials London-Williams, Amanda Watson, Linda
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk