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<p>This is indeed a tragic case and I offer my sincere condolences to Katelyn Dawson’s
family and friends. This case has been reviewed multiple times, culminating in an
independent review by senior external Counsel which found that the case should not
be prosecuted.</p><p> </p><p>The CPS determined not to bring proceedings against the
driver of the vehicle as he had passed out at the wheel due to an unforeseeable medical
condition. Under the Victim’s Right to Review (VRR), Katelyn’s family asked the CPS
to reconsider the decision. The Chief Crown Prosecutor personally reviewed the original
decision, as the first stage of the VRR process. The Chief Crown Prosecutor upheld
the original decision. The Appeals and Review Unit then reviewed the case. A further
independent review was then carried out by a Specialist Prosecutor. Senior Counsel
external to the CPS was also instructed due to the highly sensitive nature of the
case and the unusual circumstances. This second entirely independent review also concluded
that the case should not be prosecuted.</p><p> </p><p>A clear and independent process
is already in place to ensure victims’ rights are supported and protected and was
fully operative in this case. It would therefore not be right for me to interfere
with that independent process.</p>
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