GlastonburyRed

I would be surprised if there was a blanket rule that the CPS have to progress, in the event of a retraction, but I do think there is policy surrounding the examination/consideration of a retraction in these forms of cases, that might not exist say in offences against property etc. But yes, I am sure police are encouraged to delve deeper and not be perturbed by the faintest whiff of a retraction, and I think that is correct, all things considered (not saying being the target of baseless allegations would be comfortable).

Never say never though; I recall one particular time in my career where I, as a prosecutor, secured what I would say was an 'un-deserving' conviction up in Birmingham - strange things do happen in court on occasion.

In my opinion (former criminal lawyer) 1) & 2) won't happen, largely becuase it would send an awful message to those who may wish to raise a domestic violence complaint in future. As for 1), I guess there could be a witness summons for her attendance (not even sure the judge/mags would go for that, nor whether the CPS would even ask for one), but if she then appears at court, and takes the stand, the prosecution would have to treat her as a hostile witness and cross examine her on any original statement (is there even one?); as you can imagine, cross-examining your own witness is not a good look, and in the absence of independent evidence, is a tough ask for the prosecutor. Regards 2), there is a potential for it to happen, but would have to be an extreme case (think serious sexual offence allegations). So we are left with the 999 call, and bodycam (likely only showing any aftermath)...potential for a bad character application perhaps (although hard for me to say without reviewing the file). Unless I am missing something, this case will be incredibly difficult to secure a conviction on, if it even gets that far and the CPS do offer evidence. The prosecutor on the day will have their work cut out, and will not have been the one who made the decision to charge/progress with the matter. I know there are good policy reasons why domestic abuse convictions should be pursued in the absence of the complainant's support, but that doesn't make it any easier for the lawyer on the day.

Those trials are adding up! Perhaps there were witnesses if it was at a party, hence the prosecution without a complainant in the conventional sense.

The rosey cheeked lady garden up to his old tricks again, obviously

What's the youth coach testimony?

Most notable for an 8 match ban for racial abuse, doesn't sound like the sort of signing the Gas make ?

Caution needed I think when some of us say, 'let's throw the kids in they can't do any worse', this is the Championship and not all of them will be ready.

I think it's because he talked as if he was in our Top 3 managers of all time, and there was a disconnect between that talk & the reality on the pitch.

Kevin Ward knew ?

He played for Olympique de Marseille don't you know?!

And now you better believe it

Something about pride coming before a fall...or maybe 'prowed before a fall' in the case of the Gas.

Leaving in a G4S van more likely than not.

Awful shame that the one before that mob 'traded up' to Mansfield

Was Garner this season? He was particularly woeful!

Can't see them squirming out of it this time, must be a chance that they go down as rock bottom.

Is LJ cracking up at the crucial moment?!

Shudder

How long has V-shed been a 'Spoons?

By their very nature Gas 'crowds' are forever socially distanced.

Is that the lad who left the Gas under a cloud

Is LJ related to DS Steve Arnott?!

And now you better believe it...

these things take time