CPS decide ‘no criminal proceeding would be pursed’ in LDP Judicial Review case

The Crown Prosecution Service have “made a decision that no criminal proceeding would be pursued in relation to the matter” surrounding an attempted Judicial Review into the Local Development Plan.

Yesterday we reported how the council were ‘aware’, and had not challenged, an article referring to ‘an allegation of malfeasance in public office by councillors’ in Wrexham.

Previously North Wales Police had confirmed they were assessing ‘information relating to the Judicial Review’ when asked if police were looking into a complaint connected to a failed Judicial Review against Welsh Government over Local Development Plan. The exact nature, or subject, of the complaint has not been revealed.

In a fresh update Detective Inspector Dean Jones said: “North Wales Police can confirm reports and statements were recorded from Wrexham County Borough Council and the Welsh Government and a subsequent referral was made to the Crown Prosecution Service, who made a decision that no criminal proceeding would be pursued in relation to the matter.”

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) explain the process, that the police conduct investigations, “Once they’ve completed their investigation and are ready to refer the case to the CPS, they will send us a file containing the evidence they’ve gathered.

“A CPS lawyer will then review all the information and decide whether we can bring a prosecution.”

Wrexham.com asked the council for comment on the matter now it appears closed.

Wrexham.com also asked if there was any detail on the nature of the complaint, how many councillors were subject to allegations, when the council were first made aware of the police complaint and when they were informed no criminal proceeding would be pursued.

Wrexham Council said “No comment”.

The timing of our article was entirely coincidental to the latest update, with some sources indicating the decision not to proceed could have been made, or communicated, last week.

The Municipal Journal reported as of last month:

Separately, the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has confirmed it had started an investigation into Wrexham members while North Wales Police said it was in the process of assessing ‘information relating to the judicial review’ after an allegation of malfeasance in public office by councillors. It is understood the Welsh Government is active in the case via an informal intervention in support of senior officers.

Wrexham.com understands the Ombudsman complaint is still active.