We aim to make this site as accessible as possible and therefore have provided the settings below to use if you are finding it difficult to view this website. See the SFO Accessibility Statement for more information.

Where it is appropriate to provide a Welsh translation, you can switch to Cymraeg. See the Welsh Language Commissioner website for more information.

Use the settings button in the bottom right corner of the page to access these settings again.

Change to normal text size A Change to medium text size A Change to large text size A Adjust Text Size

We would like to use Analytics Cookies on our website. 

Turn these on below if you are happy with us collecting information on how our site is used, in order for us to improve the overall experience of our website. 

All other cookies are necessary and therefore by continuing to browse this website, you are agreeing to the usage of these cookies.

 See the SFO Privacy Policy for more information. 

Analytics Cookies

High Court judgment in R v Evans and others

14 November, 2014 | News Releases

The High Court has today refused an application by the Serious Fraud Office for a Voluntary Bill of Indictment in the matter of R v Evans, Whiteley, Bodman, Davies, Walters and Humphreys. We accept the court’s judgment, which now brings the prosecution to an end.

Notes for editors:

  1. The SFO brought charges in January 2013 against six people, including two former Directors of Celtic Energy Ltd. The SFO alleged they conspired to defraud three local authorities in Wales and the Coal Authority.
  2. Mr Justice Hickinbottom dismissed the case in February 2014 after successful applications by the defendants, who argued that the Public Authorities and the Coal Authority have no duties, rights, or obligations that are capable of being prejudiced by the scheme operated by the defendants.
  3. There is no provision in law which incorporates a right of appeal for the Crown. The only procedure available to the Crown is by way of a ‘voluntary bill of indictment’. This is an exceptional procedure by which the Crown can apply to the High Court for a voluntary bill of indictment. If the High Court consents to the application, the Crown is able to resurrect criminal proceedings against the parties, notwithstanding the earlier ruling in the Crown Court.
  4. The SFO considered it right to seek a voluntary bill of indictment in this case.

Related Cases