Reform Of Sex Offence Trials Will Boost Conviction Rates - SDLP

The Policing and Justice Spokesperson for the SDLP has welcomed the recommendation for reform of the protocols of Northern Ireland's courts when dealing with serious sexual offence cases.

Dolores Kelly MLA said the suggestions, if implemented, would represent a move forward and enable more victims to report offences, to have more of a voice, and ultimately increase conviction rates.

Sir John Gillen's report will be subject to public consultation that will end in the New Year, and recommends that the public gallery be closed in such cases, along with a change in the law regarding the use of social media.

Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland revealed earlier this month that a mere 2% of alleged rape victims saw a conviction in 2016/17, when 823 cases of the offence were reported but only 15 people were found guilty and sentenced for the crime.

"Our out-dated handling of sex-offence trials in Northern Ireland is both cruel and damaging to both the victim and the outcome of the trial," the Upper Bann MLA said.

"Packed public galleries, the inappropriate influence of social media and the use of 'rape myths' are a direct cause of the gross under-reporting of sexual crimes, high dropout rates and a daunting trial process; all of which has led to merely one in six victims reporting their ordeal."

Mrs Kelly added that some of Justice Gillen's recommendations require legislative challenge, and any delay in these due to the political impasse is a "damning indictment" of the ongoing situation, that is "failing to protect the most vulnerable in our society".



(JG/CM)