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Billionaire pair told to take monthly drug test
Martin Bentham, Home Affairs Editor07.08.08
The billionaire heir to the Tetra Pak empire and his wife were today ordered to take monthly drugs tests or face prosecution for trying to smuggle crack cocaine and heroin into the US embassy.
Hans Kristian Rausing, 45, and his wife Eva, 44, will also have to attend a drug treatment course for four months to help them beat their addiction under the terms of a conditional caution issued today by prosecutors.
The pair were warned, however, that if they fail to comply with the orders - or if they are found in possession of any illegal drug during the next six months - they will be prosecuted for their original offence.
The edicts were issued after the Rausings, who live in a £5 million Chelsea property, were summoned to Charing Cross Police station to receive their punishment for being caught in possession of class A drugs in April.
The pair were initially arrested after Mrs Rausing was caught taking crack cocaine and heroin into a reception at the US embassy in Grosvenor Square and then charged with a series of offences after police found further drugs at their home.
Prosecutors decided not to press ahead with a court case - prompting claims that the Rausings had been "let off ".
Announcing today's decision, Dru Sharpling, London's chief crown prosecutor, said: "The conditional caution is a serious enforcement measure that has teeth.
"If the Rausings fail to comply with conditions they will be prosecuted for the offence.
"The conditional caution will also be recorded on the Police National Computer and will be part of their record if they offend again."
Ms Sharpling said sentencing rules meant the Rausings would have faced similar punishment to that imposed by the conditional cautions if they had been taken to court.
Reader views (4)
Here's another way of defining possession against intent to supply: forget about whether they can afford it, and consider just how much they will practically use themselves. It could be read that as it is over an certain quantity that they are perhaps intending to supply to friends, acquaintances, for free as they are so rich. Which in my mind would make it far worse.
They know the law as well as any other (if not better assuming better level of education)- if they are caught with a certain amount they risk "dealing".
We really need to demand lawyers, judges and "chief crown prosecutors" (who think we are stupid by saying "no, this is really really a serious punishment") become more accountable for their personal, ill-considered, contrary views on laws, which are supposed to protect us and our children. They need to keep the bigger picture in mind.
- Gavin, East Sussex
Pete Doherty and the Rausings can use as much class A drugs as they like. City bankers and brokers line up in the stairwells of Clapham North housing estates to buy cocaine. Film and music industry do's have copious amounts of cocaine laid on for the celebrity guests. The VIP area in all the top clubs is simply for celebs to take drugs in privacy. How can I convince poor kids in my neighbourhood that selling drugs is wrong. Lock these people away. Destroy the demand. Let everyone know that we are serious about tackling drugs.
- Tony, London
People like this should be sent to prison automatically when they are caught with drugs. Everyone should be indeed, but it is particularly important to get tough with rich drug users. The money the likes of the Rausings put into the system sustains global organised crime, which immiserates millions. With privilege comes responsibility.
- Oliver Chettle, Bedford
On the surface, it appears that the same rule governs the wealthy on both sides of the pond. The core question is just how deeply this couple might be impacted by the generous ruling, and have they turned any page in their intent toward recovery. There is a wonderful opportunity availed to such privileged sufferers of addictions. I suggest they set a voluntary 90 day reservation on a beautiful island in the Caribbean. Thanks to one slow handed Brit, a crossroad has a signal light. I believe the light is stuck in green! May the party begin! Their full recovery will surely have a ripple effect. Can't wait!
- Richard L. Ewart, Key West Florida USA
