Manslaughter charges dropped

9:20am Friday 29th August 2008

ALL charges against the Swindon man accused with causing his father’s death have been withdrawn.

Just three days after charging Stanislaw Kociuba’s son Francis with his father’s manslaughter, the Crown Prosecution Service has discontinued the case.

The CPS and Wiltshire Police released a statement claiming that “fresh evidence” meant there was no longer any realistic chance of any conviction of Francis over the death of his father.

Stanislaw Kociuba, 84, of Colebrook Road, died on Sunday afternoon from injuries resulting from a fall down the stairs.

He had been found on Friday evening at the bottom of the stairs at his son’s house in Oxford Road.

Francis, 45, was arrested later that evening on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was formally charged with that offence on Saturday afternoon.

But at Swindon Magistrates Court on Monday morning he was charged with manslaughter, and ordered to appear at Bristol Crown Court in two weeks’ time.

Now, just three days later, and with little explanation, the charge has been dropped.

Detective Inspector Matt Davey said: “The death of Stanislaw Kociuba was very tragic and our thoughts are with his family at this time.

“Since the incident detectives have been investigating the circumstances surrounding his death and a 45-year-old man was arrested in connection with the death.

“Since the outset of the investigation we have worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service. And following their advice Francis Kociuba was charged with manslaughter.

“As a consequence of the continued liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service they indicated yesterday that proceedings against Francis Kociuba will be discontinued.

“Mr Kociuba’s family have been informed of this decision.”

Stacey Turner, from the CPS, said: “This decision was taken in light of fresh evidence brought to our attention by the police.

“Upon considering that new evidence it was decided in conference with the Wiltshire Police that there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction against Mr Francis Kociuba for any offence relating to the tragic death of his father.”