article_snippet.sent: But the former Leicester West MP also ruled that the former Leicester West MP should have been charged three times before in 1991, 2002 and 2007 but was left off the hook.
article_snippet.sent: Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders was joined by former Director of Public Prosecutions Lord Macdonald who said a ‘trial of the facts’ should have been considered.
article_snippet.sent: This would have enabled a jury to decide the facts without apportioning guilt and without a sentence being passed – offering a chance for victims to be heard.
article_snippet.sent: Public Prosecutions Lord Macdonald said: ‘It might have been wiser for the CPS to say ‘
article_snippet.sent: Richard Kovalevsky QC said: ‘A finding that the acts took place may have consequences for the defendant, particularly one who has the benefit of an honour from the Queen.