Brody's Notes... No Charges Filed In Hate Crime Beating Of British Rookie Cop

By Brody Levesque (Washington DC) Apr 14 | In an article today by the pinknews.uk, a spokesperson for the Merseyside Police Department in suburban Liverpool, England, disclosed that in the case of the homophobic beating of 22 year-old rookie police officer James Downey-Parkes, no charges have yet been filed.

In a written statement on its website, the Merseyside department stated: 

Merseyside Police can confirm that at this time, police bail has been cancelled for 2 youths, aged 15 and 16-years-old, following their arrest in connection to the assault of James Parkes, in Stanley Street, on 25 October 2009.

A file of evidence has been presented to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and while they have decided, at this stage, that there is insufficient evidence to charge, the case may still be referred to them again at some time in the future.

The investigation into the assault is ongoing and all the evidence is being reviewed. As a result of this review, it might be necessary for the police to reinterview the same suspects or other people in connection with the incident. Further lines of enquiry will be sought and every effort is being made to bring those responsible for this attack to justice.

Homophobic hate crime is unacceptable and Merseyside Police continue to work hard to ensure that any offenders are bought to justice. We would encourage anyone who is the victim of hate crime to report it to us and each incident will be thoroughly investigated by our specialist Sigma teams.

We continue to work closely with the community and partner agencies to provide support, reassurance and crime prevention advice.

Anyone who wishes to report a crime or has information about this specific incident can call the police on 0151 709 6010 or in an emergency can call 999. Anyone who wishes to speak to Police Gay and Lesbian Support Network can contact them on 07764621430. Third party reporting is also available through a number of community venues including Armistead Street or via the independent organisation www.stophateuk.org (also available on freephone 0800 138 1625).

Constable James Downey-Parkes 

Photo By pinknews.uk

Mr Downey-Parkes suffered fractures to his skull, cheekbone and eye socket during the October 25th attack, in which he was set upon by up to 20 youths in Stanley Street, part of Liverpool's Gay enclave. He had been leaving the Superstar Boudoir club with then boyfriend & now his husband and friends. Constable Downey-Parkes was in hospital for a period of time and then had a lengthy recuperative period upon release.