1. Fire Investigation And Prosecution Process Map THE ROLE OF THE CPS

2. INTRODUCTION
The Criminal Justice System demands that we get it right first time. There are increasingly fewer opportunities during the lifetime of the case to remedy defects that occur.

3. INTRODUCTION Police Investigate
Take “no further action” without referral to a prosecutor where an appropriate evidential standard is not met
Complete pre-charge reports and prosecution files for referral
Refer cases to CPS for a charging decision
Provide key evidence and complete action plans required by CPS
Ensure that unused material is revealed to the CPS and fulfils other disclosure obligations attributed to the Police
Support victims and witnesses through the court process

4. INTRODUCTION CPS Gives advice to police
Authorises charges in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and the DPP’s Guidance on Charging
Prosecutes criminal cases
Delivers justice for victims and witnesses
Appeals unsatisfactory court decisions in higher courts
Makes applications for extradition
Has an international role in capacity building abroad
Recovers assets where there is benefit from criminal conduct.

5. THE FULL CODE TEST The Evidential Stage
Prosecutors must be satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction against each suspect on each charge. A case which does not pass the evidential stage must not proceed, no matter how serious or sensitive it may be.
The finding that there is a realistic prospect of conviction is based on the prosecutor’s objective assessment of the evidence, including the impact of any defence and any other information that the suspect has put forward or on which he or she might rely. It means that an objective, impartial and reasonable jury, bench of magistrates or judge hearing a case alone, properly directed and acting in accordance with the law, is more likely than not to convict the defendant of the charge.

6. THE FULL CODE TEST The Public Interest Stage
It has never been the rule that a prosecution will automatically take place once the evidential stage is met. A prosecution will usually take place unless the prosecutor is satisfied that there are public interest factors tending against prosecution which outweigh those tending in favour.
When deciding the public interest, prosecutors consider questions set out in the Code so as to identify and determine the relevant public interest factors tending for and against prosecution. These factors, together with any public interest factors set out in relevant guidance or policy issued by the DPP, enable prosecutors to form an overall assessment of the public interest.

7. RELEVANT OFFENCES
Arson (simple) – S.1(1), 1(3) and 4 of the Criminal Damage Act 1971,
Reckless arson – S.1(2) and (3) of the Criminal Damage Act 1971
Arson with intent to endanger life – S.1(2) and (3) of the Criminal Damage Act 1971

8. DECIDING ON CHARGE EVIDENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The prosecutor will have regard to the evidence available, legal guidance, case law and look for evidence of
who started the fire whether from CCTV, eyewitness accounts, forensic evidence, admissions in interview or to others, identification evidence, ANPR, cell-site data and other mobile phone evidence of association.
how the fire was caused and it’s consequences – Fire Officer report
whether there was any intention to endanger lives or recklessness as to whether life was endangered
the financial loss suffered
motive or reason for starting a fire

9. DECIDING ON CHARGE EVIDENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Police investigations can reveal the motive or reason for starting a fire.
To get an insurance pay-out
To harass another
To kill
To destroy evidence
To get revenge
To be re-housed
Youthful pranks
Anger following an argument
Mental health issues
Intoxication

10. DECIDING ON CHARGE EVIDENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Fire Investigator’s report adds to the quality of evidence. It can set out where and how the fire started, the ignition, type of material burnt, the effects of smoke and whether accelerants were used.
A small fire to bedding in an occupied building or a fire to a wheelie bin resulting in extensive damage could show recklessness as to whether life is endangered.
A fire by pushing a lighted object through a letter box could show an intent to endanger life.
A preliminary report can be of great assistance in deciding on charge and timeliness in sending the full report is essential.
At times we also secure more specialist reports. We have used SGS M-Scan for forensic work on clothing to establish whether this has been in touch with petrol resulting in microscopic amounts of petrol being found in the clothing. In that case there were aspects of evidence that pointed to the conclusion that the suspect was one of those residing in the house. However we know that the jury can relate to firm conclusive evidence and the report and evidence was crucial in securing a conviction. A ggof fire investigator’s report followed by a conference assists in providing a clear explanation of issues to a prosecutor including assisting in identifying further lines of enquiry where conclusions do not immediately emerge from the FI’s report.
Regarding timeliness the defence may also want to instruct a fire investigator.

11. DECIDING ON CHARGE EVIDENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS
A full police and fire investigation can therefore result in charges of arson as well as other charges such as
Murder or manslaughter
Harassment
Perverting the course of justice
Fraud

12. DECIDING ON CHARGE EVIDENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The prosecutor will decide if sufficient evidence exists for a realistic prospect of conviction. The police may be directed to secure further evidence if required. If this is not forthcoming the suspect may have to be released.

13. DECIDING ON CHARGE PUBLIC INTEREST CONSIDERATIONS
The more serious the offence the more likely it is that a prosecution is required. A prosecutor will also assess
the level of culpability of the suspect (pre-meditation, planning, offence committed on bail, previous convictions, whether the offence is likely to be continued, repeated or escalated)
the circumstances and harm to the victim
The age of the suspect (the best interests and welfare of a young person must be considered including whether a prosecution is likely to have an adverse impact on future prospects that is disproportionate to the seriousness of the offending)
The impact on the community (the greater the impact the more likely it is that a prosecution is required)
Whether a prosecution is a proportionate response

14. AGGRAVATING FACTORS Intentional / reckless.
Motivation – revenge, harassment, insurance, fraud etc.
Pre-planned
Use of accelerants / firebombs
Injury caused
Extent of damage
Risk of fire spreading
Dwelling attacked
Public building / school attacked

15. MITIGATING FACTORS Plea of guilty Lack of previous convictions
Defendant’s personal circumstances
Mental issues

16. VENUE OF TRIAL
Arson (simple) is triable either in the magistrates’ or crown court based on seriousness, complexity or whether magistrates’ sentencing powers are sufficient.
Arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered and arson with intent to endanger life can only be tried on indictment
Following summary trial of an either-way offence the magistrates may still send the case to the Crown Court for sentencing if they think their sentencing powers are inadequate.

17. SENTENCE
Section 4 Criminal Damage Act A person guilty of arson under section 1 or of an offence under section 1(2) shall on conviction on indictment be liable to imprisonment for life.
But, simple arson tried in the magistrates’ court carries a maximum penalty of 6 months or a fine of £5,000.

18. Arson Prosecutions from CPS Data 2012 - 2014