The Police versus the CPS

The Police have been superb. They have fully investigated Elaine's case, kept us fully informed and supported me and my family throughout this difficult time. The whole team attended the inquest and have done an excellent job.. We extend to them all our deepest gratitude for their kindness, sympathy and support.

The Police investigated the circumstances surrounding Elaine's death and sent the file to the CPS with a view to charging and prosecuting those responsible. The CPS decided not to prosecute. After a meeting with the CPS, the police officer in charge of the case and ourselves it was decided that further investigations should take place. The file was resubmitted to the CPS for  review along with a request for advice on any further evidence that might be required to strengthen the case against the guilty parties. The CPS decided once again not to prosecute and declined to advise on what further evidence was required.

Strange this when you know that two members of the CPS and others involved in this case have told us that we will succeed if we take out a private prosecution. Yet the CPS decline to assist the police in advising them what further evidence is required. It appears that the weight of evidence required is less in a civil case. 

One year on!

It has been a hard year but somehow we have managed to get  through it with the help and prayers of all our friends who we thank from the bottom of our hearts. Coping with someone's death is bad enough but having also to deal with probate, insurance companies, solicitors, inquests, the police enquiries and the CPS makes it especially difficult.  In the next few postings I am going to try to bring you up to date with the events of the past few weeks.

Road still flooding despite spate of deaths

From the Bucks Advertiser written by Jack Abell on Jan 27

A ROAD which has become an accident black spot is still suffering from serious flooding despite this issue playing a major part in a fatal crash last year.
The A413 between Chalfont St Peter and Denham has long suffered from flooding during and after rainfall, and last year an inquest heard that it was a contributing factor into the death of Elaine Stacey, 23, whose car collided with another which had lost control after hitting a huge patch of water on the road.
This week, following rainfall, reader John Hatton of Chalfont St Peter parish council, took some pictures and sent them to us, which show that the problem is still very much in evidence along the road.
In a letter to the Advertiser he said: "Despite the fatal accident that resulted in the sad death of Elaine Stacey, the A413 is still flooding in quite moderate rain.
"Last Monday I went out to see what the situation was and was amazed that the flooding was still so much in evidence.
"In the dark and without lighting, there is another serious accident waiting to happen.
"I immediately took photographs of the flooded sections and sent them to Bucks County Council Transport for Buckinghamshire.
"I had a rapid response that as a result of my letter they had cleared the drains and would be looking in to the cause of the flooding where the drainage was inadequate.
"What I do wonder at, though, is why the combination of well-known and regular flooding, the lights being turned controversially off, and a fatal accident had not caused an immediate action to review the drainage infrastructure without the necessity for photographs to be provided."

Well said John Hatton and Jack Abell. 

Perhaps Valerie Letheren who is a  Bucks County Councillor responsible for Transport  would like to comment.