Correspondence from Paul Close (Casework Directorate, CPS) to the Officer in Charge (Major Crime Complex, Kingston Crescent Police Station) re 'Gladys Mabel Richards' acknowledging a meeting at Ludgate Hill (dated 20 July 2001)

Paul Close is not convinced 'that there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of a conviction, against anyone' and has therefore 'advised that criminal proceedings should not be instituted'. He reports that the matter has been discussed 'in some detail' 'following the conferences with David Perry of Counsel', and that the 'only conclusion that could be reached following further conference with Counsel on 19 June' (attended by Professor Livesley, Detective Superintendent James and Detective Chief Inspector Clarke) was that 'there is no reliable evidence that Mrs Richards was unlawfully killed'. He elaborates on the reasoning behind this in his letter.