London: It seems that Prince Harry's off the hook as he would not face charges over hen harrier shootings on Queen's estate. Prosecutors have announced that no action will be taken over the illegal killing of the two rare birds of prey who were shot at the Queen's Norflok estate a fortnight ago, the Daily Mail reported here today.

In fact, the prosecutor's decision came after none of the witnesses were able to confirm who fired the fatal shots at the birds.

"There is insufficient evidence to prosecute anyone over the shooting of the hen harriers. The bodies have not been found and there is no forensic or ballistic evidence. Witnesses also heard unexplained shooting in the area before the three suspects said they were present at the scene, so other people cannot be ruled out," the Crown Prosecution Service said in a statement.

Reviewing CPS lawyer Andrew Baxter concluded: "The police investigation has been thorough and there are no other areas of investigation which can be pursued. A successful prosecution under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act could have meant a maximum six-month jail term and 5,000 pounds fine for the person who pulled the trigger. However, wildlife organisations are furious at the outcome.

"How can any investigation be thorough if, after two weeks, they decide they are not going to charge anyone?" asked Barry Hugill of the League Against Cruel Sports. Natural England, one of whose wardens witnessed the shooting, also said it was very disappointed at the outcome.

Source : PTI