14 DAY TRIAL // TV personality and famous chef Nigella Lawson lost the fraud trial against two of her personal assistants last year in December, but the evidence that was uncovered during the trial led to speculation that she would be put under investigation for drug abuse.
While defending against the accusations made by Nigella and estranged husband Charles Saatchi that they defrauded large sums of money for personal use, two Italian sisters who acted as personal assistants for the TV chef disclosed that Nigella was a frequent cocaine user and that she even let her children smoke cannabis.
Now, The Independent reports that Scotland Yard has decided not to pursue the matter any further. Police have examined the evidence uncovered during the trial and have concluded that no further actions should be taken against her.
One of the reasons for this unusual decision is Scotland Yard's concern that there were "serious public interest concerns" about the message a prosecution would send to potential witnesses in the future, that would lead people to make honest statements during their trials.
In their statement, they say that “The decision has been taken based on a number of factors, including the need for police action to be proportionate, whether further action would be in the public interest, and after consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service.”
While they admit that one can't simply declare offenses under oath and expect a full pardon, the authorities are keen to send a message that admitting minor offenses isn't always damaging. The only stipulation is that the admission of guilt has to help the police in their investigation.
For Nigella Lawson, this sudden act of good will has come at just the right time. The TV personality had already suffered a big dent in her popularity after the lengthy and nasty trial.