Newquay hotel fire four will not be charged
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has decided not to prosecute anyone in connection with the Newquay hotel fire in Cornwall in August of last year.
Three people died in the blaze at the Penhallow hotel, one of the worst hotel blazes in recent years.
During the course of the investigation a total of four people, including the hotel manager and his wife, were arrested.
But now following the CPS decision all four have been released from their Police bail.
Complex Casework Unit head Ann Reddrop said in a statement: "This investigation has been a complex and detailed one and I have taken advice from leading counsel concerning four individuals who have been on police bail awaiting a decision from the CPS.
"After looking at all the evidence I have decided there is insufficient evidence to charge any person with an offence relating either to the fire or the tragic deaths of three people who were in the hotel at the time.
Ms Reddrop said that if new evidence was discovered the case would be looked at again.
Detective Chief Inspector Darren Lockley speaking to local media in Cornwall said: "My gut reaction is that I am very disappointed that we are not going to trial for the sake of the families."
Manager and wife arrested over fatal Cornish hotel fire >>
Hotels criticised for breaking fire safety rules >>
Full investigation for De Vere Grand hotel fire >>
Fatal Cornish hotel fire now a murder investigation >>
First victim of Newquay hotel fire named >>
By Andrew Smith
E-mail your comments to Andrew Smith here.
|
|