A judge directed a not guilty verdict on a woman charged with killing a man in Hartcliffe. Caroline Simons was charged with the murder of Stephen Cadman at Rowan House on September 16 last year.
Mrs Simons, 55, whose address was given as Rowan House, appeared at Bristol Crown Court today. (June 15, 2022) A trial into the allegation had been pencilled in for October.
James Ward, prosecuting, said Mrs Simons was charged on the basis it was suspected she murdered the deceased and was remanded in custody. He told the court she was then bailed and a complex police investigation continued.
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Mr Ward said: "After a very complicated investigation it has been concluded by me and others there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. The jury could not be sure the defendant murdered the victim."
Mr Ward added that Mr Cadman's family has been updated of the decision. He offered no evidence in the case and Judge William Hart directed a not guilty verdict on Mrs Simons.
The judge told Mrs Simons: "There is no realistic prospect of a conviction. I find you not guilty on this count of murder. You have conducted yourself in a very dignified way throughout proceedings."
Mrs Simons declined to comment as she left court. Mr Cadman, 37, died from a stab wound to his chest.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary confirmed members of his family were assisted by specialist officers.
The family said: “Stephen was a good father and friend to many and would always put himself out of the way to help anybody.
“He will be greatly missed by all. Rest in peace Stephen with your loving sister Amy.”
A statement on behalf of the CPS and Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: "At a hearing on Wednesday, June 15, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) offered no evidence which concluded the prosecution case against Caroline Simons. "Following the death of Stephen Cadman on September 16, 2021, Avon and Somerset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team conducted a thorough investigation and presented their findings to the CPS for a charging decision two days later.
"Enquiries into Mr Cadman's death continued post-charge and significant new evidence was found, which upon being presented to the CPS has led to the decision to stop the case against Mrs Simons. The police fully accept and agree with the decision of the CPS in this matter.
"Mr Cadman's next of kin have been notified of the latest developments. The thoughts of the CPS and police remain with them and specially-trained police officers continue to provide support to them.
"An inquest into Mr Cadman’s death will be held in due course."
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