Victims to be spared the ordeal of giving evidence
MORE COURTS will offer children and other vulnerable victims the option of recording their evidence in advance so they do not need to attend a trial after the idea was successfully tested in Yorkshire.
Victims under 18 and those with mental disorders, disabilities or impairments will be able to pre-record their evidence, including cross-examination, which can be played during a trial so they can be “spared the trauma” of appearing in court in person, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said.
The technology is already available in 18 courts across the country, including Bradford, Sheffield and Leeds. But from today it will be rolled out to all crown courts in London and Kent, as well as some others in the West Midlands, Sussex and Essex.
The measure – introduced after pilots in Liverpool, Leeds and Kingston-upon-Thames – aims to help reduce the stress placed on victims so they can “provide their best evidence, away from the courtroom which many can often find intimidating”, the MoJ said.
It is down to judges to rule on whether the process is suitable in individual cases. The evidence is recorded in front of the judge, prosecution and defence lawyers as well as the defendant.
Recordings take place as soon after the offence as possible to help victims remember what happened.
Victims commissioner Dame Vera Baird welcomes the move,
JUSTICE MINISTER Alex Chalk said victims show “great courage by coming forward, and it’s vital they can do so in the least traumatic way possible”.
He added: “This technology ensures they are protected and are able to give their best possible evidence, without reducing a defendant’s right to a fair trial.”
The Government is aiming for it to be available in all England and Wales crown courts by the end of the year.
Another pilot is being carried out to see if the technology is also suitable for victims of sexual offences and modern slavery who are regarded as ‘intimidated witnesses’.
saying it has the potential to “transform” experiences of the criminal justice system for many.
She added: “I have long been concerned that children who complained of victimisation should not spend a long part of their childhood beset with the worry of ultimately giving an account of what happened.
“If they can give their evidence at an early stage, they will then be free to get on with their lives.”
The technology was successfully used last year in the trial of Primark security guard Zia Uddin, who was convicted of sexually assaulting four teenage girls in Kingston-upon-Thames.