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Tetra heir 'too rich to be charged for crack'
Justin Davenport, Crime Correspondent30.07.08
Tetra Pak heir Hans Kristian Rausing and his wife were let off for possessing Class A drugs because of their wealth, it emerged today.
Home Office guidelines state that police must take into account a person's financial status when they consider if drugs found in their possession are for personal use.
Hans Rausing and wife Eva were found to have around £3,000 worth of Class A drugs - including cocaine, heroin and crack cocaine - after she was arrested entering a reception at the US embassy in April.
But all charges were dropped yesterday and the couple were given a conditional caution.
Insiders said because of their huge wealth the drugs were considered to be for their personal use. A source said: "It is ridiculous. If you live on a council estate and are found with the same amount of drugs then you would probably be considered to be dealing."
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair today described the decision not to prosecute the 45-year-old billionaire and Eva, 44, as "extremely surprising". He said it reminded him of a quote by a 19th-century lawyer which he gave as "justice is open to all just like the Ritz". Sir Ian added that more account should be taken of community concerns about drug crime.
The Met chief has ordered an immediate review of his force's charging practices for possession of Class A drugs following the decision.
He said: "I have sought clarification of the Met's involvement in the decision-making process and have asked Deputy Assistant Commissioner Alf Hitchcock to undertake it with a view to clarifying our policy in this area.
"My own view is that cautioning in these types of circumstances sends entirely the wrong message about drug use and disregards the harm it does to communities."
Reader views (4)
It does not matter what the offence is, the police have always been hypnotised by the apparent wealth of the offender. Drive an expensive car knock down and kill an out of work pedestrian and the worst you will get is a pat on the head and apologies for upsetting you.
- Patrick Griffin, Dalston, London
Yet again more slimy, dodgy and shady multimillionaires proving why they live in London, because as Dylan said "money swears". Along with all those very shady Russians who "acquired" wealth they should be heavily taxed or preferably deported as undesirables.
Why oh why have we allowed London to become the tax haven of choice for such low lifes?
- Robert May, SouthWest France
I am truly confused. What does personal use mean, getting high whilst you are in your swimming pool or in the casino. I really do not understand, what about those from poorer background do they not know how to use crack cocaine personally. I have noticed racism is less of an issue than your social class but this is just ridiculous. These drugs are class A and this regulars are getting caution because they seemed to be privileged. This is shocking and disappointing for a young person.
- Mehret, London
A learned Australian QC, John Trail (now deceased) told me as a youngster, "When the money runs out, justice begins". How true.
- Jjg, sydney, australia
