Pete Doherty will not face charges over partygoer's death

Family of Mark Blanco, who died in fall from balcony, told insufficient evidence means charges will not be brought

The rock star Pete Doherty will not face criminal prosecution over the death of a partygoer, Mark Blanco, in a fall from a balcony.

Relatives of Blanco, 30, were said to have reacted with fury to news from the Crown Prosecution Service that there was insufficient evidence to bring any charges over his death in 2006.

The family, which has vowed to launch private proceedings, was told by prosecutors that it could not be established that a criminal act had taken place.

Blanco, an actor friend of the comedian Jimmy Carr, was involved in a confrontation with Doherty, the star's minder Johnny Jeannevol and Paul Roundhill at a party shortly before his death, investigations showed. The three denied any wrongdoing.

The family, which claimed to have evidence that Blanco was unlawfully killed, launched a campaign after two police reports and an inquest failed to establish what triggered his fall from a balcony in Whitechapel, east London.

Jenny Hopkins, head of the CPS's complex casework, said on Thursday: "None of the evidence is capable of establishing to the required standard that Mr Blanco was thrown or pushed from the balcony or that any other individual was present at the time he fell."

Hopkins added: "As we can neither establish that a criminal act may have taken place nor identify the likely perpetrator, we must conclude there is insufficient evidence to support a charge of murder or manslaughter.

"If any further evidence does come to light, we will, of course, review our decision in accordance with our normal practices.

"We have met the family of Mr Blanco today to explain our decision to them and we would like to extend our sympathies to them on their loss."

Press Association

The GuardianTramp

Related Content

Article image
Pete Doherty could face a private prosecution over the death of a man who fell from balcony
Family of Mark Blanco say they may seek to prosecute the rock star and two of his friends if the police do not press charges

Jamie Doward

07, May, 2011 @11:06 PM

Article image
Pete Doherty, the death of Mark Blanco and a mother's long fight for the truth
As the singer makes another comeback with the Libertines, BBC reporter Peter Marshall investigates the case of Mark Blanco and the new digital evidence that could finally resolve an eight-year mystery

Peter Marshall

28, Jun, 2014 @11:05 PM

Article image
Pete Doherty replaces half of Babyshambles

Babyshambles bassist and drummer absent from gig as Pete Doherty performs with new band member in Soho

Sean Michaels

23, Apr, 2010 @9:07 AM

Article image
Pete Doherty released from jail early
Libertines and Babyshambles singer was sentenced to six months in prison for possession of cocaine in March

Caspar Llewellyn Smith

06, Jul, 2011 @1:28 PM

Article image
Mark Blanco's mother urges new inquiry into death of son at Pete Doherty party
Video expert says analysis shows another person was on the balcony of east London flat from which Mark Blanco fell to his death

Jamie Doward

19, Oct, 2013 @11:35 AM

Pete Doherty and Carl Barat back in matching hats

The saga continues: Might the Libertines reform? Might Babyshambles fall to shambles because of Kate Moss? Might Moss be using Beth Ditto as a fashion accessory? Elsewhere, however, there appear to be developments in the relationship between Carl Barat and his perennially misunderstood pal Pete Doherty, so we will report those instead.

Paul MacInnes

10, Apr, 2007 @10:56 AM

Article image
Pete Doherty may enlist Carl Barât for Babyshambles album
Singer plans to show former songwriting partner material from forthcoming album in the hope that 'something great will happen'

Sean Michaels

01, Dec, 2010 @1:52 PM

Article image
Pete Doherty to star in film in France, his new spiritual home
Babyshambles singer, hailed as 'the new Serge Gainsbourg', will take lead role opposite Charlotte Gainsbourg

Kim Willsher in Paris

12, Dec, 2010 @12:08 AM

Article image
Pete Doherty video claim dismissed by family of Mark Blanco
Pete Doherty claims police have video footage that will clear up mystery of party death – but Mark Blanco's mother says it is a 'PR stunt'

Jamie Doward

14, Apr, 2012 @1:41 PM

Article image
Pete Doherty on heroin, life in Paris and his new film

After enjoying four years as a cult hero in France, the former Libertine is still battling with addiction and unable – or unwilling – to escape his notorious past

Angelique Chrisafis

02, Dec, 2012 @8:00 PM