Caroline Flack’s management criticises ‘show trial’ of ‘vulnerable’ star

Caroline Flack’s management have criticised prosecutors for pressing ahead with her “show trial”, despite her boyfriend saying he did not support the case against the “vulnerable” star.

Francis Ridley, of Money Talent Management, issued a statement paying tribute following the TV presenter’s death, and also hit out at the CPS.

Flack, 40, was due to stand trial in March for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27, last year, despite him saying he did not support the prosecution.

She entered a not guilty plea to the assault charge at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court and was released on bail, with conditions that stopped her having any contact with Burton, ahead of a trial in March

In a statement released on Saturday night, Ridley said the star’s team had been left “devastated” at the loss of their “client and friend”, and paid tribute to “an immensely talented young woman who was at the top of her game professionally and loved by television viewers across the country”.

The statement went on to discuss the case against Flack.

“In recent months Caroline had been under huge pressure because of an ongoing case and potential trial which has been well reported,” it said.

“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.”

A CPS spokesperson said: “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.”

A lawyer for the Flack family confirmed that the star took her own life and was found dead at her east London flat on Saturday.

The shock news prompted hundreds of tributes from celebrities and fans, and has also raised questions about the pressures faced by TV celebrities – as well as the decision to press ahead with the star’s prosecution.

Burton, who allegedly received a head injury during the alleged assault in December, said he had “never supported” the case against his girlfriend.

He has previously spoken out claiming Flack had become the subject of a “witch hunt”, and on Valentine’s Day, just a day before her death, he posted a photo of the two of them together on Instagram Stories, saying: “I love you.”

Flack took a step back from her TV work following the incident.

The current winter series of Love Island went ahead with filming in South Africa as planned, but with Irish presenter Laura Whitmore replacing her as host.

An ITV spokeswoman said the broadcaster was “shocked and saddened” by the “desperately sad news” of the presenter’s death.

“Caroline was a much loved member of the Love Island team and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends,” the spokeswoman said in a statement.

Saturday night’s episode of Love Island has not aired, but no details have been released about future shows.

:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

(c) Sky News 2020: Caroline Flack’s management criticises ‘show trial’ of ‘vulnerable’ star