Crime charges in the spotlight

AN ANALYSIS of crime outcome figures has revealed a low proportion of crimes result in charges or summons being brought against a suspect.

During the year ending in March 2017, 384 outcomes for child sex offences were recorded by Leicestershire police force.

Only 84 cases ended with charges or summons against a suspect. This means that a suspect ended up in court just 22 per cent of the time. Three cases ended in a caution.

In 133 cases, police confirmed a crime had occurred and the victim supported police action, but problems with evidence prevented further action. This includes cases where the suspect has been identified, but cannot be traced.

Overall, there were 206 cases where evidential difficulties prevented prosecutions, including cases where the victim did not want to proceed.

In one case in eight, or 49, the investigation was completed but no suspect was identified, while in six cases, the prosecution were prevented because the suspect was underage.

Across England and Wales, 43,284 outcomes for child sex offences were recorded in the year ending March 2017. Of those, one in seven, or 6,519, resulted in somebody going to court.

In more than half of the cases, or 22,890, evidential difficulties prevented further action despite the crime being confirmed.

In 6,152 cases, the investigation was completed but no suspected was identified, while in 1,314 cases prosecution was prevented because the suspect was under age, and in 392 cases the offender died before proceeding could be initiated. There were 631 cases that ended in a caution.

A spokesperson of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) -a charity campaigning and working in child protection said: “Children who have been sexually abused have already suffered extraordinary trauma. Seeing their perpetrator brought to justice can be a crucial part of rebuilding their lives.

“As with all crimes there are many reasons why child sex offence cases don’t make it to court. However, it is vital that children are fully supported by appropriate specialists through the interviewing and evidence gathering process. When a case does not reach court it’s essential that the child has access to help and support to deal with the emotional impact it may have.”

• Childline, the NSPCC’s free 24-hour helpline for children and young people, carried out 9,452 counselling sessions about sexual abuse in 2016/17.

• If children are worried about anything they can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or use the online chat service at childline.org.uk

• Anyone concerned about a child’s welfare can contact the NSPCC Helpline in confidence on 0808 800 5000, 24/7, or at help@nspcc.org.uk