New evidence could trigger Freddie probe

Little Freddie Neil, who died aged just four weeks old

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) spoke after Attorney General Jeremy Wright, the government’s chief legal advisor, said it was up to them to press charges against Matthew Neil, 34, and his ex-partner Kim Smart-Neil, 32.

Little Freddie died after being found wedged between a wall and bed at the family’s Rydal Avenue home in central Blackpool.

His parents, who had spent the 24 hours before his death drinking heavily, were arrested on suspicion of neglect and murder but later released without charge.

The scene in Rydal Avenue, central Blackpool, following Freddie's death

A CPS spokesman told The Gazette: “The decision not to authorise any charges in relation to the death of Freddie Neil was made after reviewing all the available evidence which had been supplied to the CPS by Lancashire Police.

“Sometimes further evidence can come to light which will cause a matter to be reconsidered. Should any such further evidence arise in this case, the matter will be subject to further review.”

Lancashire Police was involved with a report into Freddie’s death, on Boxing Day 2014, and are poised to investigate any new information that comes to light.

As revealed in yesterday’s Gazette, a petition calling on Jeremy Wright to reinvestigate is likely to fail.

His office said charges are the responsibility of the CPS and it’s ‘important politicians don’t meddle with cases’.