What evidence does the CPS need to charge someone?

The CPS require admissible, reliable and credible evidence to charge someone. In making a charging decision, in most cases they apply the Full Code Test which comprises of an Evidential Stage and a Public Interest Stage, both stages must be met to authorise a charge. The Evidential Stage assesses whether the evidence makes it more likely than not that there is a realistic prospect of conviction. The Public Interest Stage looks at whether a prosecution is in the public interest even if there is sufficient evidence to charge. The CPS look at evidence of factors such as the seriousness of the offence, the impact on the victim, the suspect’s age and background, and whether prosecution is proportionate.