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SFO applies for voluntary bill of indictment

19 June, 2014 | Case Updates

On 24 January 2013, the SFO charged Eric Evans, Alan Whiteley, Frances Bodman, Richard Walters, Leighton Humphreys and Stephen Davies QC with conspiracy to defraud in relation to the sale of four open-cast mining sites in South Wales.

Following applications from five of the defendants, Mr Justice Hickinbottom dismissed the charge of conspiracy to defraud on 18 February 2014.

After carefully considering the ruling, the SFO applied to the High Court for a voluntary bill of indictment on 28 April 2014. An application for a voluntary bill of indictment is an exceptional procedure which, if the High Court consents, will allow the SFO to re-institute criminal proceedings against the individuals, notwithstanding the earlier ruling of the Crown Court.

A judge has now been allocated to hear the application in due course.

For more information on the case please see here.

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