Victims’ commissioner to meet woman who went into hiding after ex freed – The Guardian

‘The victims’ commissioner for England and Wales is to call for increased support for domestic abuse victims after a woman went into hiding when her violent ex-partner was released from prison early.’

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The Guardian, 4th August 2019

Source: www.theguardian.com

Legal system ‘beyond the point of collapse’ as three men avoid jail – BBC News

‘The legal system in England and Wales is “beyond the point of collapse”, according to a Crown Court judge. Judge Simon Carr gave three men suspended sentences instead of sending them to jail because of how long it had taken for the case to get to court.’

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BBC News, 31st July 2019

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

CPS successfully prosecutes second major modern slavery case this month – Crown Prosecution Service

‘A father and son have today (29 July) been convicted for their roles in long-running conspiracy to exploit Eastern European workers they trafficked into the UK.’

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Crown Prosecution Service, 29th July 2019

Source: www.cps.gov.uk

Victims of rape have only 1.4 per cent chance of the case being solved, new figures show – Daily Telegraph

‘Theft and rape are among ten offences where the chances of cases being solved has fallen to below one in 50 or two per cent, the lowest rates on record, an analysis of new Home Office figures reveals.’

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Daily Telegraph, 27th July 2019

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

New Victims’ commissioner sparks row with prosecutors as she says policy of taking rape victims’ phones is being used to discredit them – Daily Telegraph

‘The new Victims’ Commissioner has sparked a row after accusing prosecutors and police of taking “irrelevant” personal information from rape victims’ phones that discredits them.’

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Daily Telegraph, 24th July 2019

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

Breast-ironing is abuse and could lead to prison term, says CPS – The Guardian

‘Relatives who “iron” a young girl’s chest with a hot stone or other objects to delay breast formation could face up to 10 years in prison, under new guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service.’

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The Guardian, 19th July 2019

Source: www.theguardian.com

CPS cancels meeting on rape victims’ phone data due to legal action – The Guardian

‘Police chiefs and prosecutors have been accused of treating a coalition of women’s groups with contempt after cancelling a meeting to discuss concerns over requests to hand over mobile phone records in rape investigations.’

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The Guardian, 6th July 2019

Source: www.theguardian.com

Rape victims may not report attacks because of ‘intrusive’ phone demands, watchdog warns – The Independent

‘Rape victims may not report attacks because of “intrusive” demands for their mobile phones and personal records, a report has warned. Baroness Newlove, the outgoing victims’ commissioner for England and Wales, said there had been a “breakdown in confidence between victims of sexual violence and the criminal justice system”.’

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The Independent, 27th June 2019

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Hillsborough police chief will face retrial, judge rules – The Guardian

‘The former South Yorkshire police chief superintendent who was in command of the 1989 FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough, where 96 people were killed, will face a retrial on a charge of gross negligence manslaughter, a judge has ruled.’

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The Guardian, 25th June 2019

Source: www.theguardian.com

MPs demand prosecutors reverse ‘covert change’ causing plummeting rape charges – The Independent

‘MPs are calling on authorities to reverse a “covert change in policy” on rape cases amid plummeting prosecutions. Only 1.7 per cent of rapes reported to police in England and Wales now result in a charge, and victims have accused authorities of “decriminalising” sex attacks.’

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The Independent, 23rd June 2019

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Legal challenge launched against decision not to prosecute man who filmed woman naked – The Independent

‘Campaigners have launched a judicial review to challenge the decision not to prosecute a man who secretly filmed a sleeping naked woman.’

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The Independent, 18th June 2019

Source: www.independent.co.uk

‘My rape case was dropped because I was too articulate’ – The Guardian

Posted June 17th, 2019 in Crown Prosecution Service, news, prosecutions, rape by tracey

‘A rape complainant was told by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that her delay in reporting her alleged assault, her articulacy and her assertiveness were factors in its decision not to prosecute the man she said had attacked her.’

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The Guardian, 16th June 2019

Source: www.theguardian.com

The CPS is failing rape victims. That’s why we’re taking legal action – The Guardian

‘Reported rapes have soared, but cases reaching court have plummeted. Our coalition of women’s groups won’t stand for it.’

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The Guardian, 10th June 2019

Source: www.theguardian.com

Jack Shepherd sentenced to four more years for wounding with intent – Crown Prosecution Service

‘A man has admitted hitting a member of bar staff over the head with a bottle of vodka after being refused alcohol and has been sentenced to four more years in custody..’

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Crown Prosecution Service, 6th June 2019

Source: www.cps.gov.uk

Rape victims’ therapy guidance needs urgent review – Labour – BBC News

‘Labour is calling for an urgent review into therapy for rape victims, amid claims the current guidance discourages people from seeking counselling.’

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BBC News, 30th May 2019

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Carbon credits fraud trial collapses after expert witness found to have no expertise – The Independent

‘A carbon credits trial collapsed after an expert witness was found to be unqualified, and more than 20 fraud trials could be declared unsafe.’

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The Independent, 30th May 2019

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Man who ‘confessed’ to raping woman in Facebook message was not prosecuted – The Independent

‘A man who “confessed” on Facebook Messenger to raping a woman in her sleep will not be prosecuted because authorities think there is “no realistic prospect of conviction”, The Independent can reveal.’

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The Independent, 19th May 2019

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Rape victims demand a say in official review of criminal justice failings – The Guardian

‘Victims’ organisations are to press for closer involvement in the government’s review of falling rape prosecutions, warning that complainants’ credibility and sexual history are increasingly being made the focus of trials.’

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The Guardian, 8th May 2019

Source: www.theguardian.com

Why are rape prosecutions falling? – BBC News

‘Recorded rape offences have been rising in England and Wales, but the proportion of offences making it to court has fallen significantly over the past few years.’

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BBC News, 29th April 2019

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Prosecutors threaten trial walk-outs in CPS pay row – BBC News

‘Criminal barristers in England and Wales are threatening to walk out of trials or refuse new work over a pay row with the Crown Prosecution Service.’

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BBC News, 23rd April 2019

Source: www.bbc.co.uk