Menu
19/01/2015
Senior Prosecutor Calls For New Guidance For Victims And Witnesses
The most senior criminal prosecutor in England and Wales has proposed a series of changes to how witnesses and victims are treated in court.
Among the proposals, victims and witnesses would be warned in advance about questions regarding their sexual history, told about the direction of the defence's case and be told if third party material that could undermine the prosecution case has been disclosed to the defence.
Alison Saunders said that victims and witnesses should not be "ambushed" in the witness box, and that prosecutors should "test evidence, not put witnesses on trial".
"To stand up in a formal setting and to be asked sometimes difficult and personal questions in front of a court full of strangers is a very big ask," Ms Saunders said.
"I am convinced that we owe it to those who are willing to come to court to help them as much as we can."
(MH/JP)
Among the proposals, victims and witnesses would be warned in advance about questions regarding their sexual history, told about the direction of the defence's case and be told if third party material that could undermine the prosecution case has been disclosed to the defence.
Alison Saunders said that victims and witnesses should not be "ambushed" in the witness box, and that prosecutors should "test evidence, not put witnesses on trial".
"To stand up in a formal setting and to be asked sometimes difficult and personal questions in front of a court full of strangers is a very big ask," Ms Saunders said.
"I am convinced that we owe it to those who are willing to come to court to help them as much as we can."
(MH/JP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 December 2004
Falconer pledges better deal for victims and witnesses
A better deal for victims and witnesses, with more specialist facilities in courts, was announced today by Constitutional Affairs Secretary Lord Falconer. Lord Falconer said: "The needs and safety of victims must be at the heart of the way trials are managed. Giving evidence is a nerve-racking experience, especially for victims.
Falconer pledges better deal for victims and witnesses
A better deal for victims and witnesses, with more specialist facilities in courts, was announced today by Constitutional Affairs Secretary Lord Falconer. Lord Falconer said: "The needs and safety of victims must be at the heart of the way trials are managed. Giving evidence is a nerve-racking experience, especially for victims.
03 November 2005
Iraq murder charges dropped against soldiers
The trial of seven British soldiers charged with the murder of an Iraqi civilian has ended with the charges being thrown out on the grounds of insufficient evidence.
Iraq murder charges dropped against soldiers
The trial of seven British soldiers charged with the murder of an Iraqi civilian has ended with the charges being thrown out on the grounds of insufficient evidence.
16 June 2015
65-Year-Old Jailed For Sex Offences
A 65-year-old man has been jailed for 21-years for the sexual abuse of four victims between 1976 and 1988. Malcolm Cohen, from Aldershot, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court following a trial at Taunton Crown Court. In addition to the jail term, Cohen was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life.
65-Year-Old Jailed For Sex Offences
A 65-year-old man has been jailed for 21-years for the sexual abuse of four victims between 1976 and 1988. Malcolm Cohen, from Aldershot, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court following a trial at Taunton Crown Court. In addition to the jail term, Cohen was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life.
14 February 2005
Text alerts to help crime victims track cases
The government have announced plans for a new computer system, designed to help keep victims of crime updated with the progress of their court case. Witnesses will now be told when to come to court, via text message, as well as track the progress of their case via the internet, through the system, which is called XHIBIT.
Text alerts to help crime victims track cases
The government have announced plans for a new computer system, designed to help keep victims of crime updated with the progress of their court case. Witnesses will now be told when to come to court, via text message, as well as track the progress of their case via the internet, through the system, which is called XHIBIT.
30 May 2012
Former NOTW Editor Arrested
Former News of the World Editor Andy Coulson has been detained in London this morning on suspicion of committing perjury. The PM's former communications officer was held during the Tommy Sheridan trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
Former NOTW Editor Arrested
Former News of the World Editor Andy Coulson has been detained in London this morning on suspicion of committing perjury. The PM's former communications officer was held during the Tommy Sheridan trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
