Menu
16/09/2013
Christopher Jefferies Receives Police Apology
Avon and Somerset Constabulary have written to Christopher Jefferies to acknowledge that he played "no part" in the murder of Joanna Yeates.
Jefferies was the former landlord of Ms Yeates and was arrested following her death in December 2010. He was eliminated from the inquiry months later, but police have now admitted that it should have issued a statement immediately at the time to say he was no longer a suspect.
His detention over the murder sparked a huge press interest, and he later successfully sued a number of newspapers for libel.
Ms Yeates, who lived in Bristol, was killed by her neighbour Vincent Tabak.
In October 2011, Tabak was jailed for a minimum of 20 years after being found guilty of her murder by a jury at Bristol Crown Court.
In a letter from the force, it apologised for the distress Mr Jefferies suffered during the prove into the 25-year-old's death.
Speaking about the apology, Chief Constable Nick Gargan said: "The media attention and villification to which Christopher Jefferies was subjected during the Joanna Yeates murder investigation was unprecedented, and I understand how difficult it must have been for him.
"It was a complex investigation, carried out under the most intense public scrutiny and the investigating officer had to pursue every reasonable line of enquiry.
"Although I was not Chief Constable then, I stand by the decision taken at the time to arrest and interview Christopher Jefferies. Nevertheless I am happy to accede to his request that we should make it clear that he was completely exonerated in this investigation. This is an unusual step to take but these were exceptional circumstances.
"I had a private meeting with Mr Jefferies on Friday and hope to use his experience to inform our serious crime investigations in the future."
Mr Jefferies said the letter was "an important conclusion" to events.
(JP/CD)
Jefferies was the former landlord of Ms Yeates and was arrested following her death in December 2010. He was eliminated from the inquiry months later, but police have now admitted that it should have issued a statement immediately at the time to say he was no longer a suspect.
His detention over the murder sparked a huge press interest, and he later successfully sued a number of newspapers for libel.
Ms Yeates, who lived in Bristol, was killed by her neighbour Vincent Tabak.
In October 2011, Tabak was jailed for a minimum of 20 years after being found guilty of her murder by a jury at Bristol Crown Court.
In a letter from the force, it apologised for the distress Mr Jefferies suffered during the prove into the 25-year-old's death.
Speaking about the apology, Chief Constable Nick Gargan said: "The media attention and villification to which Christopher Jefferies was subjected during the Joanna Yeates murder investigation was unprecedented, and I understand how difficult it must have been for him.
"It was a complex investigation, carried out under the most intense public scrutiny and the investigating officer had to pursue every reasonable line of enquiry.
"Although I was not Chief Constable then, I stand by the decision taken at the time to arrest and interview Christopher Jefferies. Nevertheless I am happy to accede to his request that we should make it clear that he was completely exonerated in this investigation. This is an unusual step to take but these were exceptional circumstances.
"I had a private meeting with Mr Jefferies on Friday and hope to use his experience to inform our serious crime investigations in the future."
Mr Jefferies said the letter was "an important conclusion" to events.
(JP/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 July 2011
Jefferies Libel Claims Means 'Substantial Damages'
The High Court has ruled that two tabloid newspapers broke the law in their reporting of Jo Yeates' murder. Christopher Jefferies, Ms Yeates' neighbour, was proven innocent after being named as a suspect by The Daily Mirror and the Sun. They were later found in contempt of court.
Jefferies Libel Claims Means 'Substantial Damages'
The High Court has ruled that two tabloid newspapers broke the law in their reporting of Jo Yeates' murder. Christopher Jefferies, Ms Yeates' neighbour, was proven innocent after being named as a suspect by The Daily Mirror and the Sun. They were later found in contempt of court.
24 January 2011
Man Charged With Joanna Yeates Murder
Police have charged a 32-year-old Dutch man with the murder of Joanna Yeates. The 25-year-old landscape architect was found on Christmas day in Longwood Lane, Failand, eight days after she was reported missing from her home in Clifton, Bristol. Avon and Somerset Police said Vincent Tabak, arrested on Saturday, lived next door to Yeates in Bristol.
Man Charged With Joanna Yeates Murder
Police have charged a 32-year-old Dutch man with the murder of Joanna Yeates. The 25-year-old landscape architect was found on Christmas day in Longwood Lane, Failand, eight days after she was reported missing from her home in Clifton, Bristol. Avon and Somerset Police said Vincent Tabak, arrested on Saturday, lived next door to Yeates in Bristol.
05 May 2011
Jo Yeates's Neighbour Admits Manslaughter
The 33-year-old neighbour of Jo Yeates, has admitted manslaughter but denied murder. Vincent Tabak, 33, is accused of killing the 25-year-old Landscape Architect who was found on Christmas day in Longwood Lane, Failand, eight days after she was reported missing from her home in Clifton, Bristol.
Jo Yeates's Neighbour Admits Manslaughter
The 33-year-old neighbour of Jo Yeates, has admitted manslaughter but denied murder. Vincent Tabak, 33, is accused of killing the 25-year-old Landscape Architect who was found on Christmas day in Longwood Lane, Failand, eight days after she was reported missing from her home in Clifton, Bristol.
09 September 2013
Senior Police Officer Could Face Charges Over Murder Investigation
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has called for a senior police detective to face charges in connection with the investigation of the murder of Becky Godden. An investigation of the case by the IPCC found incidents of gross misconduct in the murder investigation.
Senior Police Officer Could Face Charges Over Murder Investigation
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has called for a senior police detective to face charges in connection with the investigation of the murder of Becky Godden. An investigation of the case by the IPCC found incidents of gross misconduct in the murder investigation.
15 October 2013
Double Murder Investigation Underway After Bodies Found In Garden
The discovery of human remains at a house in Nottinghamshire has become a double murder investigation, police have said. Police were speaking on Monday about the discovery on October 10 of the remains of two bodies in the garden of a house in Blenheim Close, Forest Town, Nottinghamshire. Police say they were led to the property by a tip.
Double Murder Investigation Underway After Bodies Found In Garden
The discovery of human remains at a house in Nottinghamshire has become a double murder investigation, police have said. Police were speaking on Monday about the discovery on October 10 of the remains of two bodies in the garden of a house in Blenheim Close, Forest Town, Nottinghamshire. Police say they were led to the property by a tip.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
