Victims’ Right to Review is encouraged
A Sunderland police chief says officers are “actively encouraging” a rape complainant to take up an opportunity to review evidence in the case.
It comes after the region’s top lawyer explained why no charges were brought following the allegation.
Six men were arrested by police after reports that a 26-year-old woman had been attacked at an address in Peel Street between Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4, last year.
However, the Crown Prosecution Service took the decision there was “insufficient evidence” to proceed with the case.
Demonstrations have been held in Sunderland City Centre in support of the woman and a petition has been handed to police.
John Dilworth, acting Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North East, issued a statement explaining why no charges had been brought, and also addressed “damaging claims” and “inaccurate articles” written about the incident, primarily on social media.
Following the statement, Chief Superintendent Ged Noble said: “I can confirm that we have received a petition from the victim requesting a review of the police investigation. We are taking this petition very seriously as it is an operational matter for the police.
“We are actively encouraging and supporting the victim to take up the ‘Victims’ Right to Review’, where she and her representatives can go through all of the evidence with the CPS and in particular the CCTV and forensic evidence, which as noted by the CPS significantly undermined any assertion that the complainant had been kidnapped or drugged, or that multiple assailants had been involved in an attack of the nature being suggested online”.
Mr Dilworth previously said: “In this case, following a thorough investigation by Northumbria Police, the CPS received a file of evidence in relation to one male suspect in respect of a single allegation of rape. After careful consideration of the evidence, we decided that no further action should be taken against this man because there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.
“Five other men were arrested by police, but there was insufficient evidence to justify a referral to prosecutors and they were released with no further action.”
“Encouraging the victim to take up the ‘Victims’ Right to Review’ CH SUPT GED NOBLE