The Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson, has indicated that investigations into Lord Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could exceed a year due to their complexity and international dimensions.
Both men were arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office over their connections with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew served as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 to 2011, stepping down amid scrutiny over his friendship with Epstein. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Lord Mandelson was removed from his post as the UK ambassador to the US, while Andrew was stripped of his titles by the King. Speaking on Thursday, Mr Parkinson said: “I really don’t think that anyone should expect an early resolution of the investigation. It wouldn’t be at all surprising if it took over a year, not because of any lack of urgency, but because of the complexity, and also the international dimension is an extra factor.”
Mr Parkinson added that the Crown Prosecution Service is providing early investigative advice, but the police are responsible for the investigation. Formal engagement with the CPS begins only when a full file of evidence is submitted. He noted that in complex cases, police benefit from CPS input from the outset.
