On Monday 3 November, 2014 at Southwark Crown Court an investigation and proceedings lasting seven years culminated in no evidence being offered against Fred and Gerald Baxter.
Not guilty verdicts were recorded. Both Fred and Gerald Baxter had always vigorously maintained their innocence.
The prosecution had begun a review of the facts in July 2014 that identified serious problems with the prosecution case. In open court the prosecution accepted that they had fundamental concerns regarding disclosure and aspects of the police investigation that made the case unsustainable.
Both Fred and Gerald Baxter were represented by Barrister Ben Smitten and David Sleight of solicitors Kingsley Napley.