CPS defends decision on rape case

The Crown Prosecution Service has defended its decision not to prosecute over a rape claim brought by a teenager who later died of a drugs overdose.

An inquest on Thursday recorded an open verdict on 19-year-old Lisa Burgess, from Thatcham, Berkshire, who took an overdose of the painkiller Codeine.

It heard she was upset after an allegation of rape did not reach court due to "insufficient evidence".

The CPS say the case was reviewed by two independent investigators.

We appreciate the feelings of the family of Lisa Burgess and are very sorry for their loss CPS spokesman

She was also allegedly the victim of an attack over which four people are due to stand trial charged with grievous bodily harm with intent next year.

A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said: "The allegation of rape was fully and properly reviewed in accordance with the CPS policy on rape.

"This involved separate review by two specialist prosecutors who both determined that there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.

"Consequently, nobody was able to be charged in relation to this allegation."

He added: "We appreciate the feelings of the family of Lisa Burgess and are very sorry for their loss."