Pilot scheme to help vulnerable witnesses begins

The first pilot to assist vulnerable witnesses of crime with communication difficulties, when giving evidence, will begin in Merseyside today.

A communication expert, such as a speech and language therapist, will act as an intermediary helping a witness with communication difficulties to understand questions asked of them and to give their answers in a way that can be understood by the police, judge, legal representatives and the jury. A register of 45 intermediaries has been established.

Examination of a witness through an intermediary is one of the range of special measures provisions contained in the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. Vulnerable witnesses with communication difficulties who could benefit from the assistance of an intermediary include young children, people with learning disabilities and people who have communication difficulties arising from a physical disability or disorder, for example as the result of a stroke or an accident.

Baroness Scotland, Home Office Minister for Victims and Witnesses, said: "Witnesses are key to the entire success of the criminal justice system and bringing more criminals to justice. We are committed to ensuring that all witnesses feel confident and reassured about giving evidence and we are implementing a wide range of measures to help achieve this. Vulnerable witnesses in particular must receive the help and support they need."

After Merseyside, the scheme will be piloted in a further five criminal justice areas – South Wales, Norfolk, Devon and Cornwall, Thames Valley and West Midlands – before being rolled out on a national scale. The aim of the pilots is to test out procedures and structures in order to create a robust model for national roll-out.

Chris Leslie, Courts Minister in the Department for Constitutional Affairs, said: "We recognise that courts can be daunting places at the best of times and witnesses can feel uneasy and vulnerable when giving evidence. We aim to give them the confidence and support they need during their court appearances to ensure that vital evidence is not lost due to communication difficulties."

(gmcg)