Pete Doherty
The Crown Prosecution Service says rock star Pete Doherty and two of his friends will not face criminal prosecution over the death plunge of partygoer Mark Blanco at a flat in Tower Hamlets in 2006.
Mr Blanco’s family has been lobbying for criminal proceedings after two police reports and an inquest had failed to establish exactly what triggered his fall from a balcony in Whitechapel.
Ms Jenny Hopkins, head of the complex casework for CPS, said:
None of the evidence is capable of establishing to the required standard that Mr Blanco was thrown or pushed from the balcony or that any other individual was present at the time he fell. As we can neither establish that a criminal act may have taken place nor identify the likely perpetrator, we must conclude there is insufficient evidence to support a charge of murder or manslaughter.
She added:
If any further evidence does come to light, we will, of course, review our decision in accordance with our normal practices. We have met the family of Mr Blanco today to explain our decision to them and we would like to extend our sympathies to them on their loss.
Investigations had established that Mr Blanco, who was an actor and 30 years old, had been involved in a confrontation at the party with Pete Doherty, and two other men shortly before his death. But all three men had denied any wrongdoing.
Mr Blanco’s family have said they are investigating whether they would be able to pursue a private action against the three men should the CPS not proceed.
