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Misconduct in a public office explained as Andrew arrested
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on charges of misconduct in public office following his alleged involvement with Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew, formerly Prince Andrew, before having his royal titles stripped, was arrested this morning at his Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, per the BBC.
The former Prince was arrested on charges of misconduct in public office, but what exactly does that mean?
What Is Andrew Charged With?
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, misconduct in public office involves the "serious wilful abuse or neglect" of powers associated with holding a public office.
It's an offence tied to the misuse of authority entrusted to public officials.
Joshua Rozenberg, a respected legal commentator, explained to Sky News that this offence is "unusual" because it was not created by parliament, but instead developed by the courts over many years.
"For that reason, there isn't actually a maximum penalty at all. It's life imprisonment because parliament has never actually set a maximum," Rozenberg added.
The offence’s complexity is part of the reason why there are efforts to overhaul how misconduct in public office is defined and prosecuted.
Rozenberg highlighted that the government is working on a new law, the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, which is currently making its way through parliament. This new bill aims to update the way misconduct in public office is handled.
As part of the proposed bill, a person would be committing an offence if they use "their office to obtain a benefit, whether for themselves or somebody else, or to cause somebody else to suffer a detriment."
This shift in law seeks to clarify and redefine the responsibilities of public officials, as well as the consequences for abusing those powers.
Police Statement In Full
Following Andrew's arrest, Thames Valley Police have since issued the following statement: "As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
"The man remains in police custody at this time.
"We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court."
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.
“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
Andrew continues to deny any wrongdoing.