Rape victims still face police phone trawl, says commissioner – BBC News

‘Proposals for England and Wales mean people who claim to have been raped will still face pressure to hand over their phones to police and prosecutors, says the victims’ commissioner.’

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BBC News, 17th July 2021

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Sarah Everard: Police violated rights at demos, say MPs – BBC News

Posted July 2nd, 2021 in bills, demonstrations, murder, news, police, professional conduct, rape by tracey

‘Police breached “fundamental rights” at a vigil for Sarah Everard and “Kill the Bill” protests earlier this year, an inquiry by MPs has found.’

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BBC News, 1st July 2021

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Colin Pitchfork: Review of decision to release child killer – BBC News

Posted June 29th, 2021 in murder, news, parole, rape, sentencing by sally

‘The decision to release double child killer Colin Pitchfork will be reviewed, it has been confirmed.’

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BBC News, 28th June 2021

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Colin Pitchfork: Government to ask for review of child killer’s release – BBC News

‘The government will ask the Parole Board to look again at its decision to release a double child killer who was the first murderer to be convicted using DNA evidence.’

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BBC News, 26th June 2021

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Crown court backlog hits record high of 60,000 cases as victims wait years for justice – The Independent

‘The backlog of crown court cases in England and Wales has hit a record number of almost 60,000 as waiting times rocket for victims and defendants.’

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The Independent, 24th June 2021

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Justice Secretary says it would be wrong for him to push for more rape prosecutions – The Independent

‘Labour accuses Robert Buckland of U-turn after he says he will not use his political position to urge more prosecutions and convictions.’

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The Independent, 20th June 2021

Source: www.independent.co.uk

One third of convicted sex offenders across England and Wales avoid prison – The Guardian

‘Ministers are facing demands to explain why thousands of convicted sexual offenders across England and Wales have avoided prison. An Observer investigation found that adults convicted of sexually assaulting children under 13, or of engaging in sexual activity with underage teenagers, are among those who have not been jailed.’

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The Guardian, 19th June 2021

Source: www.theguardian.com

New minimum standards for rape and sexual assault victim support – Crown Prosecution Service

‘We know that when victims have good emotional and practical support from our excellent ISVA partners, and close liaison with police and prosecutors, the criminal justice process becomes more manageable for them and justice outcomes improve. Currently there is a gap on setting out what best practice looks like – this framework aims to close that gap. New minimum standards for the support of rape and sexual violence victims have today (Friday 18 June) been published by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).’

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Crown Prosecution Service, 17th June 2021

Source: www.cps.gov.uk

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland ‘sorry’ for failing rape victims – BBC News

‘Justice Secretary Robert Buckland has apologised to rape victims for low conviction rates in England and Wales and promised to “do a lot better”.’

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BBC News 18th June 2021

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

The sexual assault of sleeping women: the hidden, horrifying rape crisis in Britain’s bedrooms – The Guardian

Posted June 17th, 2021 in consent, domestic violence, news, prosecutions, rape, sexual offences by sally

‘A recent survey suggested a shockingly high proportion of women have been sexually assaulted by a partner as they slept. Now more and more are speaking out.’

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The Guardian, 15th June 2021

Source: www.theguardian.com

PC Wayne Couzens pleads guilty to kidnap and rape of Sarah Everard – The Guardian

Posted June 9th, 2021 in guilty pleas, kidnapping, murder, news, police, rape, sexual offences by sally

‘Police constable Wayne Couzens has pleaded guilty to the kidnapping and rape of Sarah Everard, who went missing in March while walking home in south London.’

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The Guardian, 8th June 2021

Source: www.theguardian.com

Rape cases in England and Wales will be hit hard by backlog, says police chief – The Guardian

‘Rape and domestic violence cases in England and Wales will be among the worst hit from the growing backlog in the judicial system, and trials could soon start collapsing because of severe delays, the new crime commissioner for England’s second biggest force has warned.’

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The Guardian, 6th June 2021

Source: www.theguardian.com

Rape prosecution review failed to engage with victims, say survivor groups – The Guardian

‘A government-led review into the collapse of rape prosecutions in England and Wales has failed to “meaningfully engage” with rape survivors, despite assurances from a minister that they had been consulted, according to groups representing victims.’

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The Guardian, 27th May 2021

Source: www.theguardian.com

Gang member jailed after man kidnapped and raped in 10-hour ordeal – The Independent

Posted May 27th, 2021 in assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, news, rape, sentencing by tracey

‘A violent thug who falsely imprisoned, assaulted and raped a man in an “horrific ordeal” has been jailed for 18 years.’

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The Independent, 26th May 2021

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Retention of data on alleged rapist lawful despite acquittal in criminal proceedings – UK Human Rights Blog

‘YZ, R (on the application of) v Chief Constable of South Wales Police (Rev 1) [2021] EWHC 1060 (30 April 2021). The claimant YZ had been acquitted on three counts raping his former wife but details concerning these matters remain on the Police National Computer (PNC). These proceedings concerned whether such retention was lawful.’

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UK Human Rights Blog, 21st May 2021

Source: ukhumanrightsblog.com

Police and prosecutors must focus on actions of alleged rapists not victims, new guidance says – The Independent

‘Police and prosecutors are to place greater focus on the actions of alleged rapists rather than their victims, after charges hit a record low. New legal guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) says investigators must use an “offender-centric” approach and look closely at the actions of suspects before, during and after reported attacks.’

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The Independent, 21st May 2021

Source: www.independent.co.uk

CPS updates rape legal guidance to reflect rapid growth in digital evidence – Crown Prosecution Service

‘The CPS has published refreshed rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) legal guidance, delivering on our ongoing commitment to make the prosecution of these crimes reflect today’s rapidly changing society.’

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Crown Prosecution Service, 21st May 2021

Source: www.cps.gov.uk

Rape victims in England and Wales to give video evidence to boost convictions – The Guardian

‘Rape victims in England and Wales will be able to provide their evidence on video prior to a trial to help improve conviction rates, it is understood.’

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The Guardian, 17th May 2021

Source: www.theguardian.com

Chef jailed for raping five women after spiking drinks – BBC News

Posted April 23rd, 2021 in assault, drug offences, imprisonment, news, rape, sentencing, sexual offences, victims by sally

‘A chef who raped five women after spiking their drinks has been jailed for 24 years.’

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BBC News, 22nd April 2021

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Freshfields report into bank rape allegations not covered by privilege – Law Society’s Gazette

‘A report prepared by magic circle firm Freshfields into the alleged rape of a bank employee was not covered by legal privilege, according to an employment tribunal ruling that has now been made public.’

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Law Society's Gazette, 21st April 2021

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk