UK prosecutors discontinue criminal proceedings against Harvey Weinstein — Here’s why

British authorities discontinued criminal proceedings against former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein on Thursday. The decision was announced after officials concluded that there was no realistic chance of securing a conviction for the indecent assault charges. The sex offender is in custody and slated to serve a 16-year jail term for raping an actress in Los Angeles.

“Following a review of the evidence in this case, the CPS has decided to discontinue criminal proceedings against Harvey Weinstein. The CPS has a duty to keep all cases under continuous review and we have decided that there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction,” said Frank Ferguson — the Head of the Crown Prosecution Service's Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division.

Weinstein was found guilty of rape and handed a 23 year prison term in 2020 amid the #MeToo movement. The conviction was thrown out in April with the New York Court of Appeals stating that the Miramax film studio co-founder did not get a fair trial because a judge improperly allowed testimony by accusers he was not formally charged with assaulting.

Weinstein — currently in custody  — faces a possible retrial on rape and sexual assault charges in Manhattan later this year. Prosecutors in Manhattan have indicated plans to bring new sexual assault charges against Weinstein without divulging details or a timeline.

The former media mogul however denies raping or sexually assaulting anyone.

The 72-year-old made a brief court appearance last month as his lawyers agreed that he will remain at the nearby Rikers Island jail complex. Weinstein had returned there after being hospitalised in July for health problems including COVID-19 and pneumonia in both lungs. 

He will return to California after the New York case is complete in order to serve his pending 16-year sentence first. 

(With inputs from agencies)