Smash hit

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “The investigation has always remained open and subject to ongoing reviews. The investigating team, led by Detective Chief Inspector Tony Nash, has worked closely with the CPS throughout the inquiry leading to the charge today.”

Hilary Bradfield, from the CPS Serious Casework Unit, said: “As the investigation has developed I have been carefully examining and assessing the evidence. It has been a painstaking process and alongside the police we have considered all aspects of the case. This week we have reached a decision that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and have authorised the police to charge.”

Alex Tribick, Mr Stagg’s solicitor, said: “Obviously my client is delighted by the news. Anything that underlines his innocence of this crime is very pleasing. But he would not want this good news to be at the expense of a further miscarriage of justice. He is very keen to emphasise this point.”

Mr Napper will appear before City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court next week.

Timeline: police blunders in Nickell case

Robert Napper was questioned over similar attacks in same area as Nickell murder, but it took 12 years for police to snare him

• Inside the mind of Robert Napper

• Where are they now? Key figures in Rachel Nickell case

• Schizophrenic Robert Napper admits killing Rachel Nickell

BACKGROUND

• Where are they now? Key figures in Nickell case

• Schizophrenic admits killing Rachel Nickell

• Profiles: Robert Napper's victims

BACKGROUND

• Man charged with Rachel Nickell murder

• Met to charge Robert Napper for Rachel Nickell murder

• Sex killer linked to Nickell murder

• Colin Stagg awarded £706,000 compensation

• Should Britain have a compulsory DNA database?

Multimedia

• Rachel Nickell killing

Related Links

• Met to charge Robert Napper for Rachel Nickell murder

• DNA review of murder and rape cases ordered

• Nickell murder DNA ‘blunder’

The 15-year wait

July 1992 Rachel Nickell stabbed 49 times on Wimbledon Common

August 1993 Colin Stagg charged with murder

September 1994 Mr Stagg cleared: days later a review of the police work on the murder case is announced

November 1996 Mr Stagg passes a TV lie detector test

July 1997 Police announce they are scaling down the inquiry after £3 million costs and 32 suspects

April 1998 Police look at possible links between Ms Nickell’s murder and three other killings

September 2004 Media reports of new DNA evidence in the case

June 2006 Scotland Yard confirms it is questioning a 40-year-old man

January 2007 Home Office confirms that Mr Stagg will receive a compensation payout

November 2007 CPS authorises police to charge Robert Napper

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