Rape victims to be spared court ordeal
Exodus from Mosul
DESPERATE civilians flee Mosul as Iraqi and US forces continue to blitz the Islamic State stronghold.
Precision missiles are being used to avoid hitting noncombatants – but IS use civilians as human shields.
Captain Lucas Gebhart said: “We are not here to kill the wrong people.” THE ordeal of rape victims forced to give evidence in court is coming to an end.
From September all sex crime victims will have their evidence pre-recorded and played during the trial.
Judges will be told to offer better protection for victims and set guidelines for cross-examination by defence lawyers, including how long it can go on for.
Recording the evidence means questions that would be ruled inadmissible at trial – such as previous sexual history – can be ordered by the judge to be edited out before a jury sees it.
Justice Secretary Liz Truss has fast-tracked the c hanges and s ai d: “Attitudes to sex crimes and victims have changed beyond all recognition in our lifetime.
“Rape prosecutions are now at record levels. With more victims now finding the confidence to come forward I am determined to make their path to justice swifter and less traumatic.
“This will not reduce the right to a fair trial but will make sure victims of these abhorrent crimes are protected and able provide their best possible evidence.”
Work to roll out a similar scheme for child victims of sexual offences has already begun.
Research showed victims felt less pressure giving pre- trial evidence and that witnesses were better able to recall events.
In 2015 there were 3,900 rape prosecutions – up 9 per cent on 2014 and the highest number in the last decade.
The number of rape convictions in 2015 was 1,300 – up 11 per cent on 2014, also the highest figure in the last ten years.