Man charged with Nickell murder

A man was charged today with the murder of Rachel Nickell on Wimbledon Common in July 1992.

The Crown Prosecution Service said Robert Napper, 41, will appear at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on December 4.

The move follows a review of the notorious murder of the former model while she walked with her young son on July 15 1992.

Ms Nickell, 23, was stabbed 49 times and sexually assaulted in a frenzied attack that led to one of the largest murder hunts ever seen in the UK.

Colin Stagg, from Roehampton, west London, was prosecuted for the murder, but cleared in 1994.

A judge threw the case out on the grounds that police had used a "honey trap" plot to encourage him to confess.

Hilary Bradfield of the Crown Prosecution Service's Serious Casework Unit announced the decision today.

She said: "I have worked closely with officers from the Metropolitan Police from the earliest stages of this investigation and have given advice to them about evidential and legal matters on an ongoing basis.

"As the investigation has developed, I have been carefully examining and assessing the evidence, and consulting with Rene Barclay, director of the Serious Casework Unit.

"It has been a painstaking process and alongside the police we have considered all aspects of the case in detail.

"This week we have reached a decision that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and have authorised the police to charge.

"The media should, of course, take care in reporting the charge against Robert Napper today.

"It is extremely important that there is responsible reporting which does not prejudice the due process of law."

Scotland Yard said: "Robert Napper, 41, has today been charged with the murder of Rachel Nickell on Wimbledon Common on July 15 1992.

"He will appear before City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on December 4 at 10.30am."

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