Rape trials to get priority in courts in bid to reduce delays causing victims more torment

NewsUK News Close up lawyer businessman working or reading lawbook in office workplace for consultant lawyer concept. Credit: Getty RAPE trials will be given priority in courts under an overhaul aimed at reducing delays which cause victims additional torment. Every crown court in England and Wales will get at least one specialist courtroom for rape and serious sexual offence cases over the next two years. For too long, victims of rape and serious sexual offences have felt let down by our justice system, said Prime Minister Andy Burnham Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Trials will be given fixed dates instead of being put on “floating” lists, where hearings can be shifted at short notice — and delayed for months. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “For too long, victims of rape and serious sexual offences have felt let down by our justice system. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! “Prosecution rates remain shamefully low, with many victims waiting years for justice. This is not good enough. “That’s why we are making major changes to rebalance the scales of justice and put victims first.” Last year, rape cases took an average of 424 days to complete once they reached the crown court, with some victims withdrawing before their case was heard. Victims will now get private entrances and waiting rooms to avoid coming face-to-face with defendants and their supporters. Court staff will receive specialist training. Some evidence will be allowed to be pre-recorded with sentencing able to be viewed remotely. Most read in The Sun