Journalist files passed to CPS for charging advice

The Crown Prosecution Service has received four files relating to journalists and a number of alleged offences, including perverting the course of justice and witness intimidation.

The files have been passed to the CPS for charging advice and relate to 11 individuals in total, including four journalists, one police officer and six other members of the public.

One file relates to a journalist and police officer in relation to alleged offences of misconduct in public office and under the Data Protection Act.

Another is in reference to a journalist and six members of the public with relation to alleged perversion of the course of justice.

A third relates to a journalist and relates to alleged witness intimidation and harassment while the fourth refers to a journalist in relation to alleged offences under RIPA, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

The CPS was not commenting further on the identities of those involved or the alleged offences at this stage.

News of the CPS being asked for charging advice on these files comes as the Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer publishes interim guidelines on what prosecutors should consider when making decisions relating to the media and when considering the public interest.

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