Ex-PCC Shaun Wright will not be investigated by police over ‘CSE perjury’

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will not make a referral to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) following an investigation into complaints made against the former South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner. 

It was alleged by two complainants – one by CSE whistleblower Jayne Senior – Mr Wright had committed perjury when giving evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee (HASC) on September 9, 2014, when he was still PCC. 

The investigation, launched in June 2017, followed a referral from South Yorkshire Police's Police and Crime Panel following those complaints. 

Mr Wright gave evidence, under oath, regarding his knowledge of allegations of widespread child sexual abuse in Rotherham. It was alleged by the complainants that he wrongly denied having knowledge of the scale of abuse in the town during his time as cabinet member for children’s services at Rotherham Borough Council, between 2005 and 2010. 

The IOPC reviewed transcripts from the HASC meeting where the alleged offence took place, and interviewed Mr Wright along with “a key independent witness”. 

The IOPC also reviewed documents concerning CSE in Rotherham, which Mr Wright was alleged to have received during his time at the council. 

Sarah Green, the IOPC’s regional director who oversaw this investigation, said: “We have now concluded our detailed investigation into the very serious allegation that Shaun Wright committed perjury when he gave evidence to HASC in 2014. 

“I have given this matter very careful consideration and, on the basis of the evidence we have gathered, I have determined that the report does not indicate that a criminal offence may have been committed. Therefore, we will not refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider whether any criminal charges should be brought. 

“We have now published our findings in full.” 

The full findings can be found here https://policeconduct.gov.uk/investigations/investigation-former-south-yorkshire-pcc-shaun-wright-south-yorkshire-pcc-0