Improved Care For Young, Vulnerable Witnesses

Plans to give young, vulnerable witnesses better support and encourage more witnesses to come forward with evidence of crimes has been published by Justice Minister Maria Eagle.

These will enhance measures designed to make it less daunting for children to give evidence, and comes alongside wider proposals in the Coroners and Justice Bill to put the needs of victims and witnesses at the forefront of the criminal justice system, and so aid the Government's drive crackdown on crime.

They also encourage a better and more consistent support to young and vulnerable witness, as well as individually tailor the processes in place.

They include allowing young people more choice about the way in which they give evidence; formalising rules that allow a trusted adult to be present when children are giving evidence via video link; extending this support structure to include young people under the age of 18 years and allowing vulnerable defendants to use any intermediary to help them understand the questions they are asked when giving evidence.

Justice Minister Maria Eagle, said: "Giving evidence in court can be a frightening experience for children and other vulnerable young people. Over the past ten years we have made significant improvements to the way they are treated - but this does not mean we could not do better.

"We have a responsibility to make sure that everyone, and especially young and vulnerable witnesses, receive the support they need to give the most accurate evidence. We must also ensure that witnesses are not prevented from offering evidence by the fear of what could await them in court," she said.

Over the past decade video links have been introduced so that young people can give evidence from outside the courtroom and do not have to see the defendant.

If they give evidence in courts, vulnerable witnesses may be screened from the view of the defendant, be offered an intermediary to assist them in understanding questions.

In addition, the public gallery may, in some cases, be cleared and judges and barristers may remove their wigs and gowns to make the courtroom less intimidating.

(JM/BMcC)