Mohammed Al-Fayed Abuse Victims Seek Support
Support for the victims are gaining but also will be left speechless when many in the early 2000s, alleged sexual abuse but were often treated with scepticism, especially when powerful figures like Mohamed Al Fayed were involved. Despite the efforts of police, there was a prevailing culture where the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) seemed reluctant to pursue such cases unless they were overwhelmingly strong. This reflects a broader issue at the time where accusations of abuse, particularly from women, were not given the serious attention they deserved. Victims’ testimonies were often overshadowed by the social status and wealth of the accused, leaving many feeling dismissed.
This failure to give proper weight to allegations, as seen in the handling of 21 women’s accusations against Al Fayed, highlights the need for expert legal representation. While the CPS might have deemed certain cases unlikely to result in a conviction, this doesn’t negate the importance of investigating them thoroughly. The review by the Metropolitan Police into these historical claims underscores the significance of ensuring that justice is served, even if it comes late.
The criticism aimed at both the police and the CPS during this period is not surprising. The culture at the time often did not favour victims of abuse, particularly when facing influential figures. The Met has indicated that it will conduct a thorough review of these cases, but it raises a key question for victims: can they trust that the system will be impartial, especially given the historic failings?
Function of the Crown Prosecution Service (Implications for their decisions on Mohammed Al Fayed Abuse Allegations)
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the police work together to bring charges in criminal cases. The police are responsible for investigating allegations, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses or suspects. Once the investigation is complete, they present the evidence to the CPS, which then reviews it and determines whether there is enough evidence to pursue charges. The CPS applies a two-stage test: first, whether there is a realistic prospect of conviction, and second, whether it is in the public interest to proceed with the case.
Pattern of abuse by Mohammed Al Fayed
In an article in Lemonde it was reported that:
‘British prosecutors have said they twice received evidence against Al-Fayed. In 2008, Fayed was accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reviewed evidence in 2009. In 2013, he was accused of raping a woman, a claim investigated in 2015. In both instances, the CPS, which decides on prosecutions in England and Wales, said there was no “realistic prospect of conviction” and did not bring charges against the Harrods.’
A pattern of abuse clearly indicates a possible failure by the CPS within its function to consider the evidence. It serves as a reminder about injustice where there are multiple possible victims, a recent example is the Post Office Scandal
Call for a Statutory Inquiry For Historic Abuse by Mohammed Al Fayed.
A call for a Statutory Inquiry are being called for by lawyers and victims to uncover who, at the top of the CPS made the decisions not to prosecute Mohammad Al Fayed for sexual abuse whilst owning Harrods and Fulham Football club et al.
For victims seeking justice, the involvement of police and prosecutors in high-profile cases does not mean that they should rely solely on these institutions. Instructing expert legal counsel, like R James Hutcheon Solicitors, can be crucial in ensuring that their claims are properly heard and pursued. Solicitors with experience in handling abuse and negligence cases can advocate for victims when the system may not, ensuring that even when powerful figures are involved, justice can be sought through civil claims.
Even in cases where police have conducted investigations, a strong legal advocate can help victims pursue additional compensation through civil litigation, ensuring that those responsible, and any institutions that may have enabled abuse, are held accountable.
Contact Us Now To Claim