Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Three-year delay in child sex attack case angers judge
Police launch review after timescale criticised
A judge is demanding urgent answers from Kent Police after a case involving an alleged child sex attack victim suffered an astonishing three-year delay. Judge Simon James expressed his anger after it emerged the teenager is yet to see the case brought before the courts, years after contacting police. Canterbury Crown Court’s most senior judge hit out at Kent Police chiefs after seeing a letter reportedly pointing the finger at courts and staff for delays. He told prosecutor Peter Forbes the force had formed its own narrative about faults in the justice system, adding: “It is not a narrative I’m going to allow to be populated.” He went on: “A complaint made by a 14-year-old - it is unacceptable, that whatever the issues might be, for the case to only come for a first hearing at crown court three years later. “I’m afraid there is going to have to be a proper explanation as to why that delay took place. “It is wholly unacceptable
that there has been a three-year delay and it is not a narrative I’m going to allow to be populated, given what seems to me an inexplicable delay. “The delay is not the fault of the court but the fault of elsewhere - it’s inexplicable, unfair and it isn’t acceptable.” When Mr Forbes said he would pass on the message to officers, the judge added he would not accept “the dog ate my homework” excuses.
In response, Assistant Chief Constable Simon Wilson said: “On July 14, 2018 Kent Police received a report that sexual offences had been committed against a child. “Immediate actions were taken to safeguard the victim and a suspect was arrested the same day. He was released whilst a full and thorough investigation took place, including a review of forensic opportunities, taking of witness statements and gathering of other evidence. “Charges were authorised against the suspect in December 2020 and we await the outcome of the court case whilst continuing to support the victim. “We understand concerns have been raised regarding the time it took for this matter to come to court, and are reviewing the case in order to establish the full circumstances. “Our officers do everything in their power to investigate offences quickly and to the highest possible standard. “Kent Police enjoys a close working relationship with the Crown Prosecution Service and HM Courts and Tribunals Service and we regularly meet to discuss ways to improve the service we provide, with the shared objective of securing justice for victims.”