Police and prosecutors discussed allegations that Andrew leaked a confidential report to Jeffrey Epstein. uk news
Police and prosecutors have spoken out over allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor leaked a confidential report to Jeffrey Epstein.
Documents in the latest release of the Epstein files suggest that the former Prince and Duke of York shared government information with the deceased sex offender while he was serving as Britain’s trade envoy.
Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
Thames Valley Police said in a statement on Friday that it had spoken to experts from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) about allegations of misconduct in public office.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said, “As part of this assessment, we have had discussions with specialist Crown prosecutors from the CPS.”
Follow the latest updates on the Epstein files
He said that in this phase, information is evaluated to determine whether a criminal offence is suspected and whether a full investigation is needed.
Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson also said that the CPS is in “close contact” with both Thames Valley Police and the Metropolitan Police, “but we have not yet been asked to give formal advice.”
He said, “In complex and sensitive cases, the CPS and the police work together, and I am confident we will do so in the investigation that has been announced.
“We’ve made contact, and we won’t be giving a step-by-step update on the investigation.”
Asked about the common law offence of misconduct in public office, Mr Parkinson said that “the law is absolutely clear”.
“I don’t think it would be difficult to advise on this,” he said. “As always, the issue is about the application of the law when giving advice on criminal matters.”
Read more from Sky News:
Man Utd co-owner makes claims about immigrants in Britain
Oat-based products can’t be sold as ‘milk’, as court rules
This comes after Buckingham Palace stated that it will support the police if they are contacted regarding allegations about Andrew made earlier this week.
Mahal also said King He “made clear through words and unprecedented actions his deep concern” over the claims about his brother.
Meanwhile, on Friday, US Attorney General Pam Bondi testified to US Congress about the release of the Epstein files, and a Democrat asked her why she “didn’t prosecute former Prince Andrew”.
Democrats ask Bondi why she isn’t investigating Andrew
Ms Bondi responded to Ted Lieu, the Democratic representative of California’s 36th District, asking why he did not ask the same questions of the former attorney general under Joe Biden.
He said he asked, “Shame on you,” before accusing him of failing to hold anyone accountable.
