CPS on Nigel Evans trial: ‘It was right all evidence was put before a jury’
The Crown Prosecution Service has defended the decision to put the case of Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans before a jury.
The former Commons deputy speaker has this afternoon been cleared of committing nine sexual offences against seven young men.
A CPS spokesman said: “The complainants in this case provided clear accounts of the alleged offending and it was right that all of the evidence was put before a jury.
“That evidence could only be fully explored during a trial and the jury has decided, after hearing all of the evidence, that the prosecution has not proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. We respect this decision.”
One user said: “Nigel Evans is not guilty. The case should never have been brought. Police and CPS have questions to answer.”
While another said: “So Nigel Evans is cleared. CPS really needs to properly think through its strategy on high profile cases.”