PM urged to act as number of rape trials plummets

THE VICTIMS’ Commissioner has called on the Prime Minister to urgently launch an independent inquiry after inspectors failed to explain why the number of rape cases brought to court has plummeted.

Dame Vera Baird criticised the Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) report on the actions of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), claiming it lacked independence, a “determination to find the truth” and failed to listen to victims.

Dame Vera said: “Last week the Prime Minister promised to improve the criminal justice system and make it easier for victims to come forward.

“His manifesto commitment of an inquiry into the criminal justice system needs to be actioned urgently.

“Important aspects of such an inquiry, which this report lacks, would be its independence, its determination to find the truth and that it should listen to the experiences of victims.”

Rape prosecutions in England and Wales have fallen to their lowest level since 2008, despite record numbers of allegations reported to police.

In the year to March, there were 58,657 allegations of rape and 1,925 successful prosecutions for the offence, HMCPSI said.

The Attorney General ordered the inspection to investigate why successful prosecutions had dropped by 52 per cent even though allegations reported to police rose by 43 per cent and to determine whether the CPS was to blame. The inspection considered around 900 rape cases – including those which resulted in a charge or no further action and those sent back to police for further investigation.

The report found that, since CPS rape and serious sexual offences units (RASSO) were last inspected in 2016, there had been a 23 per cent drop in the number of cases referred to the CPS for a decision by police – meaning only eight per cent are now referred – and a third were sent back to officers for further investigation.