Plans for 14 further private prosecutions - described by a lawyer as "vindictive" - have now been dropped.

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Mr Hobday said the league would work with the police - but was also planning to bring private prosecutions if necessary.

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But the RSPCA's policy of bringing private prosecutions rather than referring them to the Crown Prosecution Service was raised earlier this year in a parliamentary debate.

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People can, of course, hire their own lawyers and bring private prosecutions if they so choose, but most victims in riots are poor and illiterate and cannot afford the legal fees over years and years.

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However, in my experience, perjury or obstruction of justice prosecutions of parties in private civil litigation are rare.

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Ms. White is a prime example, having effectively overseen countless important prosecutions as well as private representations for more than 20 years.

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His lawyers had asked for Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer's permission for a private prosecution under terrorism laws.

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Boards, directors and senior managers at private hospitals who allow abuse to take place will face tougher sanctions - including possibly criminal prosecutions, he said.

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