The Director of Public Prosecutions, David Calvert-Smith, QC, has decided there is sufficient evidence for a prosecution for manslaughter by gross negligence arising out of the death of Simon Jones.
Summonses will now be issued for the general manager, Mr Richard James Martell, and the company, Euromin.
Mr Calvert-Smith said: “I have looked long and hard at the evidence presented and taken further advice from two Queen’s Counsel. After detailed consideration of all the issues involved, I have decided there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to prosecute.”
The decision follows a ruling in March by the Divisional Court that the Crown Prosecution Service should re-consider its earlier decision not to prosecute.
Mr Calvert-Smith said he was satisfied the decision was reached without unnecessary delay. He said: “Counsel and I had to consider all the existing evidence from the beginning together with some new material. This was not something that could be done lightly or quickly.”
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Simon Jones died on 24 April,1998, at Shoreham Docks, Sussex.
2. The Court of Appeal ruled on 23 March,2000, that the CPS should re-consider its decision not to prosecute after the family of Mr Jones sought a judicial review of the decision.
3. During this review period the CPS was in contact with the family of Mr Jones and their legal representatives to keep them informed.
4. For further information contact CPS Press Office on 0207 796 8180.
