Relatives of 101 patients who died at the scandal-hit Gosport War Memorial Hospital have received devastating news that no criminal charges will be brought in connection with their loved ones' deaths.
The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, which is leading the independent investigation known as Operation Magenta, informed families that the evidence in these specific cases did not meet the threshold for prosecution.
Operation Magenta: One of UK's Largest Police Investigations
Operation Magenta represents one of the most extensive and complex police investigations in British history, examining more than 750 patient records and collecting 1,200 witness statements. The probe was launched after previous inquiries revealed that hundreds of patients had their lives shortened through the inappropriate use of opioid painkillers at the Hampshire community hospital.
Deputy Chief Constable Neil Jerome, overseeing the investigation, stated: "We are continuing to keep affected family members updated on the progress of the independent investigation into deaths at Gosport War Memorial Hospital, which remains one of the largest and most complex in the history of UK policing."
Earlier this year, police revealed they were interviewing 29 suspects, including 24 for alleged gross negligence manslaughter and five for alleged offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Families Left Devastated by No Further Action Decision
The 101 families received formal notification that investigations into their relatives' deaths would not proceed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) because they failed to meet the evidential test required for criminal prosecution.
A police spokesman explained: "Each of the families concerned have been contacted and provided with a detailed timeline of their loved one's medical journey and how the outcome of each assessment has been reached."
Emma Jones, a solicitor from Leigh Day representing some of the affected families, described the news as "devastating" for those who have waited years for answers. "For those families the news will be devastating, after so long to be told 'that's it'. They are left without answers," she said.
Inquest Process Offers Hope for Answers
Despite the criminal investigation concluding for these 101 cases, families may still find answers through the coroner's court. Police have confirmed that all deaths under investigation will be referred to the coroner as standard practice.
Ms Jones emphasised: "There is still the inquest process which can be a full and thorough investigation which, I would hope, would provide answers for the families. Op Magenta have said they will refer all deaths to the coroner at the end but those families can take steps now to ask the coroner to open an inquest."
The investigation continues for the remaining cases, with police submitting files to the CPS for consideration of potential charges. Deputy Chief Constable Jerome assured the public that investigators are "working as quickly and thoroughly as possible to ensure this is the decisive police investigation into what happened at the hospital."
Operation Magenta continues to examine the circumstances surrounding hundreds of additional deaths at the hospital between 1987 and 2001, leaving open the possibility that criminal charges may yet be brought in other cases.
