Take Janner fight to High Court, DPP dares critics

BRITAIN’S law chief has dared her critics to challenge her in court as she defended her decision not to prosecute Lord Janner over sex abuse claims.

Alison Saunders said she is not afraid to see the controversial move tested by a High Court judge. And she brushed aside calls for her resignation, insisting that ‘making the right decision is not a resigning issue’.

Speaking publicly for the first time since she ruled that the former Leicester West MP’s dementia meant he would not face trial – despite evidence which could have seen him charged with 22 child sex offences – the Director of Public Prosecutions yesterday dismissed claims that she was part of an Establishment cover-up.

She said she had paid a ‘heavy price’ for the decision, but added: ‘If somebody wants to challenge it I’m not afraid. The proper way is through the right to review or a judicial review.’ She told the London Evening Standard: ‘If they want to do that my decision will stand up. I’m confident I got it right. My job is not to make decisions on the basis of what people want. It’s about making the right decisions.’

Mrs Saunders said she was right to avoid the ‘easy option’ of sending the case to court for a judge to throw out, adding: ‘I understand how frustrated the complainants must be. But I don’t think it’s for me to take the easy way out.’

Last week Leicestershire Police said they were considering a legal challenge, most likely a High Court judicial review. Victims also have the right to review charging decisions, but so far no one has come forward with a request.