Murder charges against two teens dropped after Chesterfield man's death

Two youngsters who had been charged with the suspected murder of a Chesterfield man have today, Friday, September 9, had the cases against them dropped and they have been released from custody.
Police launched an investigation after the death of Chesterfield man Darren Broadbent, 35, at Thorntree Court, Grangewood, Chesterfield.Police launched an investigation after the death of Chesterfield man Darren Broadbent, 35, at Thorntree Court, Grangewood, Chesterfield.
Police launched an investigation after the death of Chesterfield man Darren Broadbent, 35, at Thorntree Court, Grangewood, Chesterfield.

The body of Darren Broadbent, 35, of Grindlow Avenue, Boythorpe, Chesterfield, was found dead at a flat at Thorntree Court, on Birchwood Crescent, Grangewood, Chesterfield, on August 1.

Police launched a suspected murder investigation and Jaiden Browne-Evans, 18, of Beaver Hill Road, Sheffield, was charged with murder and a 15-year-old Sheffield boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was also charged with Mr Broadbent’s suspected murder.

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However, prosecuting barrister Peter Joyce QC told a Nottingham Crown Court hearing today, Friday, September 9, that there is no realistic prospect of prosecuting either of the two teenagers on the charges of murder and proceedings should be discontinued and they should be released from custody.

Nottingham Crown CourtNottingham Crown Court
Nottingham Crown Court

Mr Joyce QC said: “I have had a consultation with the police and the Crown Prosecution Service on August 17 and further enquiries were made at my request and they have produced nothing further.”

He added: “I have taken the view that in light of particular factors we know about in the case summary there is no realistic prospect of prosecuting either of these two boys on the charges of murder.”

Defence barrister James Horne, representing Browne-Evans, and defence barrister Paul O’Shea, representing the 15-year-old, both said they had nothing to add on the matter.

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Judge Gregory Dickinson QC, who described the case as having an unusual set of circumstances, said both Browne-Evans and the 15-year-old should be released straight away.

Nottingham Crown CourtNottingham Crown Court
Nottingham Crown Court

Mr Joyce QC, prosecuting, said that both Mr Broadbent’s mother and brother, who attended the hearing, had been informed about the unusual circumstances which were not revealed during the court hearing.

He added: “I have seen the family of the deceased and I have informed them of the review of this decision.

“His mother, and brother, are here and they are anxious to preserve the integrity of her son’s memory so I am to say no more about his role in the matter.”

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A Chesterfield woman, who was arrested as part of the police investigation after Mr Broadbent’s death, still stands charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.

Judge Dickinson QC adjourned her case for a further hearing on September 29 at Nottingham Crown Court.

An inquest into the death of Darren Broadbent has previously been opened and a cause of death was withheld pending further tests.

Senior Coroner for Derbyshire Robert Hunter adjourned the inquest until criminal proceedings have been concluded.