Crime victims praise new crown court system
Crime victims have praised new measures that, they say, gave them the confidence to stand up in court – and bring criminals to justice.
In October last year, new provisions were introduced at Newcastle Crown Court to allow some vulnerable victims or witnesses to prerecord evidence and crossexamination.
The system is part of a national roll-out in courts across the UK.
It means some victims or witnesses can give evidence well in advance of a trial – so they no longer have to physically attend on the day.
More than 40 cases have so far used the new provisions.
A number of victims have now praised the set-up that helped put their attackers behind bars.
One, who saw her attacker sentenced to eight years for rape, said: “It just felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
"I was shown into a nice room with a large TV which showed the court room, with nobody other than the judge and counsel there.
“It all took less than an hour and I felt really supported at every stage.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, welcomed the new provision.
She said: “Giving evidence and being cross-examined in court can be a traumatic experience for any witness.
"This approach can help reduce some of the anxiety people feel.
“Using technology this way makes a lot of sense.”
She added: "As a region, we’re keen to build on initiatives like this so we can make improvements for victims at every stage of the justice system.”