During the hearing, Lee Reynolds for the prosecution, said the proceedings involved an internet investigation conducted by the council's trading standards officers.

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Jurors also heard that last May it was decided that there was no realistic prospect of any prosecution for manslaughter against Southwark Council or any company in relation to the fire.

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The Labour Party immediately suspended Mrs Dawn, a witness for the prosecution in its case against Ms Jones, and forced her to stand down as council leader.

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