Rape convictions still low, but improving

Fewer than one in four rape cases brought to court by Kent Police result in a conviction, figures show.

Data, released by the Ministry of Justice, reveals that in 2017 only 23% of Kent Police’s prosecutions for rape were successful.

Last year the force brought 138 cases to court, and 31 resulted in convictions.

The guilty rate is lower than for other sexual offences, and it’s also worse than other serious crimes such as grievous bodily harm which is 36%.

However, figures for the county show rates have improved - in 2016 only 19% of cases brought to court secured a conviction.

Across England and Wales overall one in five rape cases are successfully prosecuted, according to the MoJ.

This data includes cases where rape is the principle or most serious offence, so incidents where the victim was killed would be counted as murder or manslaughter.

The process of rape trials has been in the news after several collapsed at the turn of the year over problems with disclosure of evidence.

Cleveland Police has the highest conviction rate for rape cases in England and Wales, at 32%, while in Cumbria it’s just 9%.

A CPS spokeswoman said: “We recognise that rape and serious sexual offences are some of the most complex cases prosecuted by the CPS and we have worked hard in recent years to improve how we deal with these cases.

“We have almost doubled the number of specialist prosecutors in our dedicated Rape and Serious Sexual Offence Units and improved the support we offer victims through criminal proceedings.

“In recognition of the unique challenges involved in prosecuting these offences and taking them to trial, the CPS is focused on building strong cases with all available evidenceand supporting victims throughout.”