No one will be charged in connection with the horse stampede along Front Street which injured 19 people almost a year ago, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

A Bermuda Police Service spokesman told this newspaper last night that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions had reviewed a Police report on the April 25 incident and determined that no criminal charges should be brought.

Asked if the report would ever be made public, the spokesman said "relevant individuals and agencies", including those hurt during the accident at the Harbour Nights event, would be given access to "the information that is relevant".

The Corporation of Hamilton — which announced on Monday that it was banning horse-drawn carriages from Harbour Nights — said yesterday it had still not seen the official Police report.

Mayor Sutherland Madeiros, in a statement refuting an allegation by Senator Wayne Caines that he had "overstepped his authority" by imposing the ban, said the "informed decision" had been taken following consultation and in the interests of public safety.

The Corporation said last May that a temporary ban on horse-drawn carriages at Harbour Nights would remain in place until Police released the results of their investigation.

Mr. Madeiros said yesterday: "We have not been made privy to the official Police report, but we were informed by a senior Police officer that the report was inconclusive."

Sen. Caines, Junior Tourism and Transport Minister, called on Tuesday for the Corporation to suspend its decision and immediately consult with the Public Service Vehicles Licensing Board on the matter.

Mr. Madeiros did not refer to that request in his statement but confirmed he had received a letter from the Junior Minister which made no mention of him overstepping his authority.

"I would like to categorically state that I and the members of (the) Corporation of Hamilton made an informed decision and have not overstepped our authority in any way shape or form," he said.

He said the Corporation met with Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, carriage operators Hobby and Dee Charles, the Government veterinarian, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Transport Control Department licencing officers before making the "difficult decision" to ban horse-drawn carriages in the vicinity of Harbour Nights activities.

The Mayor added: "We were aware that this decision would impact horse and carriage owners and we therefore offered them the option of plying their trade from Albuoy's Point — away from the busy activities of Harbour Nights — but they refused our offer.

"It is disappointing that the Government has decided to comment on an issue which is not part of their remit."

The incident last year saw two spooked horses break loose from their owner, tear through a barrier and charge down Front Street with their carriage into a crowd of people during the first Harbour Nights event of 2007.

* Were you involved in the accident? If so, email eroberts@royalgazette.bm or call 278-0156.