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Lord Janner sex abuse trial could still go ahead despite peer's death

Alleged victims of Lord Janner could still have their cases heard in court, despite the former Labour peer's death. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said that it is considering the "procedural implications" of the sex abuse case against Lord Janner, who died at the weekend.

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CPS to consider 'procedural implications' of Janner case following death

Lord Janner died on Saturday weeks after a high court judge ruled that he was unfit to stand trial due to his dementia. Credit: PA

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said that it is considering the "procedural implications" of the sex abuse case against Lord Janner, who died at the weekend.

The CPS said the matter will be considered at a court hearing next year.

A trial of the facts is due to take place in April after Janner was ruled unfit to stand trial over alleged historical child sex offences due to his advanced dementia.

Greville Janner faced criminal proceedings for child sex offences, with a trial of the facts scheduled to take place in April 2016.

When a defendant dies during criminal proceedings, it is usual that the case no longer goes ahead following formal confirmation of the defendant's death at a hearing before the court.

However, we are considering the procedural implications of this specific case. As the High Court will close today until January 11 2016, there can be no hearing before that date.

It is right that this matter is considered properly in open court, and we will therefore not be commenting further ahead of a court hearing.

– Crown Prosecution Service
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