No further action against Bedfordshire PCC

Bedfordshire police and crime commissioner (PCC) Olly Martins will face no further action over alleged disclosure of sensitive information.

The decision was announced by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) today (September 17) in relation to Mr Martins’ unauthorised disclosure of sensitive information, passed to him in his role as PCC, to his partner when they were at home.

In August this year, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) asked the CPS to consider whether Mr Martins should face a charge of misconduct in public office.

Luke Bulpitt, a specialist prosecutor with the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “After careful consideration and a review of the evidence in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, the CPS has decided that there is insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.

“In any case of misconduct in public office, we would have to show that any disclosure of information was serious enough to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust, particularly regarding the extent and likely consequences of the disclosure. The evidence is not sufficient to establish this.

“As a result, we have advised the IPCC that no further criminal action should be taken.”

Mr Bulpitt added that the decision by the CPS does not imply any finding concerning guilt or criminal conduct, and that the CPS makes conclusions only according to the test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors, which is applied in all cases on whether or not to prosecute.

Mr Martins acknowledged that he made an error in discussing sensitive information and thanked the CPS for its quick decision.

“I welcome the fact that the CPS has clearly established there are no criminal charges to answer,” he said.

“I was always concerned that the focus on my actions may detract from the on-going investigation into the tragic death of Leon Briggs. That is what really matters here. His family, friends and indeed Bedfordshire Police need answers.”

He added that at present, seven Bedfordshire Police officers and staff are suspended on full pay, costing taxpayers around £26,000, in relation to the arrest of Mr Briggs.