Exclusive: Met won't prosecute Kneecap over ‘Kill your MP'
How low is too low? Kneecap seem determined to find out, judging by their never-ending mission to troll the UK. But last month even the West Belfast trio seemed to go too far, after videos emerged of them calling for the death of British MPs and shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'. It prompted a grovelling statement from the band, insisting that they had never supported either terrorist group and would not incite violence against any individual. Real hard men, eh?
Of course, cynics suggested that Kneecap's capitulation had less to do with genuine remorse and concern for the likes of David Amess's family, and more to do with the very real fear of a police investigation. But now the not-so-funny trio can sleep easy, for Steerpike has checked and counter-terror police have confirmed they will not be charging the group. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said:
A thorough investigation has now been completed by detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command, which included interviewing an individual under caution and seeking early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service. A range of offences were considered as part of the investigation. However, given the time elapsed between the events in the video and the video being brought to police attention, any potential summary only offences were beyond the statutory time limit for prosecution. Relevant indictable offences were considered by the investigation team and, based on all of the current evidence available, a decision has been made that no further action will be taken at this time.
The spokesman added that 'the safety and security of MPs is something that is taken extremely seriously across the whole of policing'. Parliamentarians concerned about their safety are told to 'contact their dedicated local Operation Bridger officer.' Talk about cold comfort…
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