Caroline Flack 'genuinely feared she was going to jail' in her final hours, friends slam CPS for 'show trial'
In latest reports following the shocking suicide of UK TV personality Caroline Flack, it has been revealed that she genuinely thought she was going to jail in her final hours. This comes after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed they would continue pursuing her assault trial for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend, Lewis Burton back in December 2019.
The presenter, who had hosted popular UK reality shows like 'Love Island' in the past, was found dead in her London flat on February 14. She was believed to have already been distraught about going ahead with the prosecution for the alleged assault of Burton, but she was determined to prove her innocence, even though crushing bail conditions stopped her from communicating with Burton in any form. Just hours after news of Flack's suicide broke out, those close to her - friends and family both - lashed out at the CPS for pursuing a show trial which Burton himself hadn't lent his support to. Speaking to The Sun, a friend of hers shared: "Caroline genuinely feared she was going to jail. That was ridiculous. She didn't deserve that. This was, quite obviously, a vulnerable woman."
Broadcast and talent agent Louisa McDonald also criticized the CPS for pursuing the high-profile case, despite Caroline's "vulnerable" state. McDonald wrote: "We are devastated at the loss of our client and friend Caroline Flack. An immensely talented young woman who was at the top of her game professionally and loved by television viewers across the country. In recent months Caroline had been under huge pressure because of an ongoing case and potential trial which has been well reported. The Crown Prosecution Service pursued this when they knew not only how very vulnerable Caroline was but also that the alleged victim did not support the prosecution and had disputed the CPS version of events. The CPS should look at themselves today and how they pursued a show trial that was not only without merit but not in the public interest. And ultimately resulted in significant distress to Caroline. Our thoughts are with Caroline’s family at this time. Francis Ridley, Money Talent Management"
According to the Mirror, a CPS spokesman addressed the issue of pursuing Flack's case, saying: "Our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of Caroline Flack. Given the tragic circumstances, we will not comment on the specifics of this case at this stage." Flack had always denied attacking her boyfriend after the police were called on December 12, 2019; on March 4, she was scheduled to stand trial for the alleged assault on Burton - a shocking incident that sent both her career and personal life into a turmoil. Not only was she forced to step down as the host of 'Love Island', but Flack - who had spoken about her struggles with depression - was also forced to retreat to Los Angeles, where she was attempting to get her life on track.
