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30/10/2008
Victim's Families Impact Statement Scheme 'A Success'
A pilot scheme giving families of murder victims a chance to tell the court how the death has affected them has proven to be a success, according to research published today by the Ministry of Justice.
The Victims Advocates Pilot evaluation measured the success of the new initiative to allow victims' families to have an impact statement to be read out in court. The publication marks the one-year anniversary of the decision to extend the key elements of the pilots nationally under the Victim Focus Scheme.
The Victims Advocate Pilots enable a meeting to take place between the prosecutor and the victim's family, pre-trial, to explain the processes and assist in making a Victim Personal Statement. These statements include the impact the crime committed had on the victim's family.
Justice Minister Maria Eagle said: "By giving bereaved families the chance to make a statement about the impact of violent crime on their lives we are strengthening their voice and making criminals fully realise the consequences of their actions.
"The initiative underlines the Government's determination to put the needs of victims at the heart of the criminal justice service, a point stressed this week by Justice Secretary Jack Straw."
The scheme is part of wider Government reform to address the needs of victims and witnesses.
Since October 2007 the Crown Prosecution Service's Victim Focus Scheme has been open to families of murder or manslaughter victims and those killed as a result of: dangerous driving, careless driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs, careless driving and driving while unlicensed, uninsured or disqualified where cases are heard in the crown court.
(JM)
The Victims Advocates Pilot evaluation measured the success of the new initiative to allow victims' families to have an impact statement to be read out in court. The publication marks the one-year anniversary of the decision to extend the key elements of the pilots nationally under the Victim Focus Scheme.
The Victims Advocate Pilots enable a meeting to take place between the prosecutor and the victim's family, pre-trial, to explain the processes and assist in making a Victim Personal Statement. These statements include the impact the crime committed had on the victim's family.
Justice Minister Maria Eagle said: "By giving bereaved families the chance to make a statement about the impact of violent crime on their lives we are strengthening their voice and making criminals fully realise the consequences of their actions.
"The initiative underlines the Government's determination to put the needs of victims at the heart of the criminal justice service, a point stressed this week by Justice Secretary Jack Straw."
The scheme is part of wider Government reform to address the needs of victims and witnesses.
Since October 2007 the Crown Prosecution Service's Victim Focus Scheme has been open to families of murder or manslaughter victims and those killed as a result of: dangerous driving, careless driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs, careless driving and driving while unlicensed, uninsured or disqualified where cases are heard in the crown court.
(JM)
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03 August 2005
London bomb victim compensation branded ‘a pittance’
Victims’ groups have branded the £11,000 compensation offer to the families of those killed in the London bombings a “pittance”. The families of the 52 people killed in the July 7 suicide bomb attacks will be eligible for basic compensation of £11,000 from the government-funded Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
London bomb victim compensation branded ‘a pittance’
Victims’ groups have branded the £11,000 compensation offer to the families of those killed in the London bombings a “pittance”. The families of the 52 people killed in the July 7 suicide bomb attacks will be eligible for basic compensation of £11,000 from the government-funded Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
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A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in Kent. At around 7.15pm on Tuesday (19 May), police were called to a property in Hectorage Road, Tonbridge. Two men, aged 34 and 54, had sustained injuries which police believed to be knife wounds. The 54-year-old victim died at the scene. The 34-year-old was taken to hospital.
Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Murder In Kent
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in Kent. At around 7.15pm on Tuesday (19 May), police were called to a property in Hectorage Road, Tonbridge. Two men, aged 34 and 54, had sustained injuries which police believed to be knife wounds. The 54-year-old victim died at the scene. The 34-year-old was taken to hospital.
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Royal British Legion Cuts Ties With NoW
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Following revelations that the phones of murder victim Milly Dowler and bereaved military families were hacked, the Royal British Legion has suspended ties with the News of the World (NoW). Gen Sir David Richards, the Charity Chief of the Defence Staff has described the claims as "disgusting".
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Cameron Promises Phone Hack Investigation
Following revelations that the phone of murder victim Milly Dowler was hacked, the Prime Minister has promised a full investigation. A public enquiry will be set up investigating the alleged hacking by the News of the World.
Cameron Promises Phone Hack Investigation
Following revelations that the phone of murder victim Milly Dowler was hacked, the Prime Minister has promised a full investigation. A public enquiry will be set up investigating the alleged hacking by the News of the World.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
