Second royal butler trial collapses

The trial of royal butler Harold Brown and society jeweller Jan Havlik, who were charged in connection with the theft of valuables from the estate of Diana, Princess of Wales, collapsed at the Old Bailey today.

It is the second time in a month that the prosecution of a royal servant has failed.

Diana's former butler Paul Burrell was cleared of theft charges at the Old Bailey on 1 November after royal intervention destroyed the Crown's case.

It emerged that Mr Burrell had told the Queen in a private conversation following Diana's death that he had kept some of the princess's possessions for safe keeping.

Prosecutor William Boyce QC said today there was no realistic prospect of a conviction in connection with Mr Brown since the collapse of the Burrell trial.

The Metropolitan Police immediately announced an internal review of its investigations into theft allegations involving the royal butlers. The two trials are thought to have cost more than £2 million.

In a statement, Scotland Yard said today: "The Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens has appointed the former Chief of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland, Bill Taylor, to conduct an internal review of the Metropolitan Police's investigation of the recent cases involving Paul Burrell and Harold Brown.

"Mr Taylor will report directly to the Commissioner and has been asked to identify any lessons to be learned from these cases."

It was alleged during Mr Burrell's trial that detectives misled Prince Charles about evidence they said they had about the former butler selling Diana's belongings abroad and even dressing up in her clothes.

Mr Brown, 50, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, had been accused of stealing valuables worth more than £500,000 from Diana's estate.

He faced three charges under the 1968 Theft Act. They alleged he stole an ornate model Arabian sailing vessel between 1 January and 2 November, 1997; a bangle and pair of earrings between 1 January and 2 December, 1997; and a diamond daffodil motif between 1 January and 12 November , 1997.

Mr Brown had been a servant to senior members of the Royal Family for more than three decades and continued to work for the ailing Princess Margaret even after he was charged.

Society jeweller Mr Havlik, aged 51, was accused of dishonestly handling the valuables.

Timothy Langdale QC, defending Mr Havlik, said his client had had the case hanging over his head for more than two years.

"If a defence had had to be mounted evidence would have been called in this court that he is a man of the highest reputation in his business world and a man of complete and utmost integrity."

Mr Havlik had been arrested without any warning but had answered every single question put to him to the best of his ability.

"He is someone who having been asked questions provided a very full defence statement making clear all the issues as far as he was concerned."