Judge at war with chief prosecutor over ‘drunk rape’ cases

A JUDGE has launched an unprecedented attack on the head of the Crown Prosecution Service over her handling of rape trials.

Judge Philip Shorrock claimed England’s Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders had less understanding of the cases than a newspaper columnist. He said most trials led to the alleged rapist being ‘unsurprisingly’ acquitted as both parties had been drinking or taking drugs, and there was no independent proof of what had happened. But last night Mrs Saunders accused him of peddling old-fashioned views. She said: ‘It is always disappointing to hear views expressed that lean in favour of the “victim blaming” culture that allowed sexual predators to offend with assumed impunity in days gone by.’

It is the latest in a series of clashes south of the Border between the judiciary, politicians and officials over the issue.

Retiring judge Lindsey Kushner warned women that predators ‘gravitate towards girls who have been drinking’ – leading to accusations by ex-Labour minister Dame Vera Baird the judge was blaming victims.

Last week, the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Thomas, declared Justice Secretary Liz Truss was ‘wrong’ when she announced all rape complainants would soon record their evidence on film in England and Wales. Daily Telegraph columnist Allison Pearson accused the ‘militant sisterhood’ of Miss Truss and Mrs Saunders of abandoning the principle of innocent until proven guilty.

In a break with protocol, Judge Shorrock wrote to the Telegraph, saying: ‘I fear that Allison Pearson’s analysis is closer to the mark than that of Alison Saunders.’

The Judicial Office said no complaints had been received.