A High Court judge has dismissed Andrew and Tristan Tate's attempt to compel the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to reveal the identities of their alleged victims in UK criminal proceedings. The brothers had initiated a legal challenge against the CPS, arguing that the decision not to disclose the names was unlawful and infringed upon their right to a fair trial.
Mr Justice Chamberlain, presiding over the case, ruled on Friday that the challenge was not 'arguable' and that the CPS's decision was 'coherent and rational'. The Tate brothers, who are currently facing legal proceedings in Romania, are set to be extradited to the UK upon the conclusion of those proceedings. In the UK, they face a combined total of 21 charges, including rape, actual bodily harm, and human trafficking. The alleged offenses are reported to have occurred between 2012 and 2016.
Andrew Tate, 39, a former professional kickboxer, and his brother Tristan, 37, have consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing. Andrew Tate has previously described himself and his brother as 'very innocent men'.
During a hearing, the legal team representing the Tates argued that the CPS's stance was predicated on the alleged vulnerability of the complainants and the 'notoriety' and large social media following of the accused. Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC, representing the Tates, contended in written submissions that the CPS had made an 'inflated assumption of risk' regarding the brothers potentially identifying the complainants on social media. She further argued that the Tates were being treated differently from other defendants due to their public profile and controversial opinions, which she stated should not be a basis for denying them essential information about the charges they face.
The defense also claimed that the CPS's decision hindered the Tates' ability to understand the case against them, gather relevant evidence, and provide information that might prompt further inquiries or a review of the charges. This occurred despite the brothers offering undertakings not to disclose the names, backed by a £20,000 payment each, and an offer to be interviewed under caution from Romania in August of the previous year, which the CPS reportedly rejected.
Tom Little KC, representing the CPS, stated in written submissions that the decision was not a permanent one but a 'time-limited decision' not to disclose names until substantive proceedings commenced in the UK. He argued that the CPS's position was not unreasonable and that the matter was being kept under review. Little also asserted that the Tates' right to a fair trial had not been breached, as such a breach could only be properly assessed and determined at trial in the Crown Court. The CPS also argued that the claim was brought too late.
Bedfordshire Police is listed as an interested party in the legal action but was not represented at the hearing in London.