Murder and rape suspects charged by post under Khan

New figures have revealed that people suspected of crimes including murder and rape are increasingly being charged by post on Sadiq Khan's watch. 

In 2019, the Metropolitan Police sent 12 suspected murderers letters telling them they were to be tried for the horrific crime. That's an increase of seven compared to 2018 and ten more than in 2017. 

The figures show rapists and sex offenders are also being increasingly being issued with postal charges. Last year, 91 people were charged with rape by post. That's more than double the previous year's figure of 43. The Met also charged 414 suspects with sex offences in 2019.  As Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is responsible for policing in London. On Khan's watch, postal charges have soared from 600 in 2016 to about 6,000 two years later.

Susan Hall, Leader of the GLA Conservatives, said: "It's staggering that the police are charging suspected murderers and rapists by post. The public expects the full force of the law to come down on individuals charged with such serious crimes, not just a letter.

"This is extremely worrying as half of those who have failed to appear before magistrates courts were postal charges. Charging dangerous individuals by post could give them ample opportunity to flee and escape justice.

"After long and often intrusive investigations, particularly in cases of sexual assault, successfully charging someone with these horrific crimes is an important moment for victims. They will be disappointed to know the long-awaited charges are being made by post. 

"Sadiq Khan urgently needs to get a grip and ensure it is police officers, not the local postie knocking on the door of London's most wanted."

Full story on The Times.