Thursday, January 30, 2014

Prosecuters Drop Theft Case Against Trash Dumpster Divers


"Paul May, 35, Jason Chan, 31, and William James, 23, were alleged to have taken cast-off tomatoes, mushrooms, cheese and Mr Kipling cakes from dustbins at the frozen food firm and were due to stand trial at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

But after facing scrutiny over whether the prosecution was in the public interest – including from Iceland which only found out about the case through the media – the CPS decided not to pursue the matter.

Baljit Ubhey, chief crown prosecutor for CPS London, said: “This case has been reviewed by a senior lawyer and it has been decided that a prosecution is not required in the public interest.

“While the decision to charge was taken by the Metropolitan Police Service, a subsequent review of the case by the CPS did not give due weight to the public interest factors tending against prosecution.

“In reconsidering this case, we have had particular regard to the seriousness of the alleged offence and the level of harm done. Both of these factors weigh against a prosecution. Additionally, further representations received today from Iceland Foods have affected our assessment of the public interest in prosecuting."

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