Raped women soldiers get right to civilian trial

Women soldiers who are victims of rape will have a presumed right to a civilian trial after a Government defeat on the Armed Forces Bill in the Lords.

An amendment by Lord Thomas of Gresford, that rape cases should be handled by a civilian rather than a military court, was passed by 210 to 190 votes.

It follows demands for the change by campaigners who claim that conviction rates in civilian courts are up to five times higher than those in military hearings.

The Ministry of Defence is, however, expected to seek to overturn the amendment when the Bill returns to the Commons.