Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
RAPE CLAIMS ON RISE AS CONVICTIONS FALL
Almost 35% increase in cases sent to PPS and one in six is found guilty
PROSECUTORS are dealing with a surge in rape allegations – but conviction rates are falling, it emerged yesterday.
Figures published by the Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service show during the 2017/18 financial year there was a rise of 34.2% in the number of files received involving a rape offence, from 395 to 530.
However, of 60 defendants dealt with in the Crown Court approximately one in six, or 15%, were convicted.
That figure is down from a 23.4% conviction rate in 2016/17. Nine people were convicted of rape in 2017/2018 compared to 15 in 2017/2018.
The rate is low when seen against the rate for murder and manslaughter of 92% and the PPS’S overall conviction rate of 85%.
The PPS said it is acting to address the issue but added the offence is notoriously difficult to prosecute.
Assistant Director Marianne O’kane said: “It is universally recognised there are significant challenges in prosecuting these types of cases. Over the last three years the PPS has established a dedicated team of senior public prosecutors who have worked closely with our partners to ensure consistency in best practice procedures to build cases, support victims and ensure prosecutions are brought robustly, but fairly.
“Against this backdrop we are seeing a significant increase in both the complexity and the volume of cases.
“We consider a broad criminal justice perspective, combined with inputs from wider society, will be key to achieving positive change.
REVIEW
“On this basis, we fully support and are contributing to the independent review being undertaken by Sir John Gillen. We look forward to hearing the considered responses when his findings are published.”
Overall, the PPS said in 2017/18 it received a total of 1,587 files involving a sexual offence. This was an increase of 21.0% on 2016/17 (1,312).
Files received included a total of 1,700 suspects, 567 of whom were charged or reported for rape (an increase of 36.6% on 2016/17) and 1,133 for other sexual offences (an increase of 15.1%).
Prosecutors told the Mirror one issue facing them is an increasing volume of evidential material, particularly digital communications including Whatsapp chats and social media exchanges.
That must be disclosed to a defendant’s legal team and, they say, can sometimes undermine a prosecution case.
PPS sources insist sex assault victims are coming forward in increasing numbers and have not been detered by factors including the high-profile acquittal of Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson in the Ulster Rugby rape trial.
One senior PPS figure said: “We want to be clear. Just because we consider there is insufficient evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction does not mean we do not believe a victim.”