Had Eleanor been alive, 26th June 2025 would have been her 35th Birthday. By now, I am sure that Eleanor, like most of her friends, would have been married with children. Although endowed with the kindness and love that would have made her a wonderful mother, Eleanor has been denied the opportunity to offer that gift. We, in turn, have been deprived of the opportunity and joy of being grandparents.
We try to mark anniversaries such as Eleanor’s birthday with something special, and I would like to share this latest development with you. As you know, I continue to be gagged by an undertaking I was obliged to sign in order to see a document (NMAN) which explains the CPS's rationale for continuing Alexander Economou’s private prosecution against Eleanor for supposedly lying about her rape allegation against him.
I was able to get this gagging order altered so that I could show NMAN to my MP Ben Coleman and discuss it with him. Ben then wrote to Lucy Rigby, the Solicitor General, on 23rd June, asking a number of questions. Ben stated in his letter: ‘I take no side in this. But eleven years have elapsed and I believe it is reasonable for Mr de Freitas to have the answers to the questions here which I have asked on his behalf.’
Sadly, I can't show you the questions as I would be breaking my CPS-imposed gagging order. I can assure you that if we get full and frank answers to those questions, we will be a lot nearer to Justice for Eleanor.
Given the significance of this case to the confidence that women can have in reporting any concerns they have regarding rape and any other sexual offence, I believe it is crucial that you continue your support by spreading the word.
As a month has passed without hearing anything from the CPS, my MP has chased for an answer. As the answer ultimately has to come from the CPS, could I ask you and your supporters to email the CPS’s complaints email address?
Please copy this update and paste it to Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions at
LondonVRRandcomplaints@cps.gov.uk
Please use the heading Justice for Eleanor
Thank you,
David