Menu
05/07/2012
New Guidance On Rape Charges Won By Victims Family
The family of a nurse killed by her former partner while he was on bail for raping her has won a campaign to change legal guidance, meaning murderers who commit rape can be charged for both.
Previous legal guidance has meant offenders who murdered a victim while on bail for rape would be prosecuted for only the murder, because the resulting sentence would be expected to be sufficiently high to cover both offences.
Today, Keir Starmer QC, the Director of Public Prosecutions has announced new guidance, meaning they should now be charged with rape as well.
The change is a victory for a campaign led by John and Penny Clough, whose daughter Jane, 26, was stabbed 71 times by her ex-partner Jonathan Vass in July 2010 while he was awaiting trial for repeatedly raping her.
Vass was jailed for life in October 2010 after admitting the murder, but the rape charges were left on file.
In future cases, rape charges that are linked to murders will no longer be left on file but will be prosecuted except in the most "exceptional circumstances", Keir Starmer has said.
(H)
Previous legal guidance has meant offenders who murdered a victim while on bail for rape would be prosecuted for only the murder, because the resulting sentence would be expected to be sufficiently high to cover both offences.
Today, Keir Starmer QC, the Director of Public Prosecutions has announced new guidance, meaning they should now be charged with rape as well.
The change is a victory for a campaign led by John and Penny Clough, whose daughter Jane, 26, was stabbed 71 times by her ex-partner Jonathan Vass in July 2010 while he was awaiting trial for repeatedly raping her.
Vass was jailed for life in October 2010 after admitting the murder, but the rape charges were left on file.
In future cases, rape charges that are linked to murders will no longer be left on file but will be prosecuted except in the most "exceptional circumstances", Keir Starmer has said.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 February 2006
Date rape case judges 'can influence trial outcome'
A judge's summing-up can influence a jury's decision in date rape cases, a report has suggested. The research, conducted for the British Psychological Society, presented 168 university students with a date rape scenario, which included a summing-up statement by the judge, and asked them to decide on the guilt of the alleged rapist.
Date rape case judges 'can influence trial outcome'
A judge's summing-up can influence a jury's decision in date rape cases, a report has suggested. The research, conducted for the British Psychological Society, presented 168 university students with a date rape scenario, which included a summing-up statement by the judge, and asked them to decide on the guilt of the alleged rapist.
22 June 2012
Rochdale Paedophile Ringleader Named
The ringleader of a paedophile gang in Rochdale, who groomed young white girls for sex, has been named after being found guilty of 30 separate child rape charges. Shabir Ahmed, 59, led a child sex exploitation ring of nine men who targeted vulnerable young girls in the Rochdale and Oldham areas of Greater Manchester.
Rochdale Paedophile Ringleader Named
The ringleader of a paedophile gang in Rochdale, who groomed young white girls for sex, has been named after being found guilty of 30 separate child rape charges. Shabir Ahmed, 59, led a child sex exploitation ring of nine men who targeted vulnerable young girls in the Rochdale and Oldham areas of Greater Manchester.
15 June 2005
Bashir may face legal action
British journalist Martin Bashir could face legal action over a controversial Michael Jackson documentary, following the pop superstar’s acquittal from child abuse charges.
Bashir may face legal action
British journalist Martin Bashir could face legal action over a controversial Michael Jackson documentary, following the pop superstar’s acquittal from child abuse charges.
06 January 2015
Rape Investigation Against MP Mark Pritchard Dropped
An investigation into rape allegations against Conservative MP Mark Pritchard have been dropped, Scotland Yard has confirmed. Mr Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin in Shropshire, was arrested on 2 December, however he was released on police bail. He has now been informed no further action will be taken.
Rape Investigation Against MP Mark Pritchard Dropped
An investigation into rape allegations against Conservative MP Mark Pritchard have been dropped, Scotland Yard has confirmed. Mr Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin in Shropshire, was arrested on 2 December, however he was released on police bail. He has now been informed no further action will be taken.
15 July 2013
Britain Charged With Sex Assault On Children In Kenya
A man has been charged in the UK with sexual offences against two children in Kenya. Legislation allowing UK nationals to be prosecuted for sexual offences committed abroad has been used to charge 54-year-old Simon Harris, of Pudleston, Leominster. He is facing charges of attempted rape and sexual activity with a child, police have said.
Britain Charged With Sex Assault On Children In Kenya
A man has been charged in the UK with sexual offences against two children in Kenya. Legislation allowing UK nationals to be prosecuted for sexual offences committed abroad has been used to charge 54-year-old Simon Harris, of Pudleston, Leominster. He is facing charges of attempted rape and sexual activity with a child, police have said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
