Vincent Cook “Relieved” at CPS Decision Not to Charge
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October 7, 2011 TheFreshOutlook  |
The CPS has decided that Vincent Cook, who killed an intruder during an alleged robbery, will not face murder charges.
A man who stabbed and killed an alleged intruder at his family home will not face further charges say the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Vincent Cook, 39, fatally stabbed Raymond Jacob, 37, during an alleged robbery on September 17. Police and paramedics tried to save Mr Jacob using first aid but he died shortly after the incident.
Mr Cooke, from Greater Manchester, was later arrested for murder, alongside a second man who was allegedly involved in the robbery.
The verdict, which was released on Friday, claimed that Mr Cooke “did what he honestly and instinctively believed was necessary on that day to protect himself, his home and his family”.
Speaking after the announcement, Nazir Afzal, chief crown prosecutor for the North West area said: “At the time he was in fear for his own safety and the safety of his wife and son, who arrived at the house as the incident was happening.”
The court heard that Mr Cooke was led upstairs by knifepoint and later stabbed the intruder during a heated struggle.
“I’m most relieved that the CPS have decided not to charge me with any offence,” said Mr Cooke.
“I will never forget the day that I had to fight for my life. It has been a living nightmare for me and my family and I’m still suffering flashbacks of the incident.”
His solicitor, Kieran Henry, explained that Mr Cooke and his family have had their lives changed completely by recent events. “They have had to move their whole roots away from the area,” he said.
The CPS’ decision follows three previous cases in which self-defence has been deemed acceptable after an intruder has been killed.
All three cases have taken place in Greater Manchester in the last few months.
By Catherine Rees
[Image courtesy of Ingy The Wingy]
