The NSPCC charity has revealed research that shows young witnesses often have to wait more than a year to give evidence in Crown Court cases in the UK. The research shows that cases involving child witnesses take up to two months longer than most other cases, with more than 33% of hearings being rescheduled at least once.
These startling statistics are being shown to the government by the NSPCC to try and fast track criminal cases involving young witnesses. Researchers spoke to 183 children aged between 5 and 19 to tally their figures with the help of parents and witness support professionals. The childrens charity is also calling on the UK Government to ensure remote link facilities are available for young witnesses to give evidence away from the court room.
NSPCC lawyer Barbara Esam said –
Giving evidence away from the courtroom helps children feel more secure and relaxed, and enables them to give their best evidence. All children should have this option open to them, particularly if they are at risk of intimidation. Court appearances are naturally stressful for anyone, let alone a young child who might be giving evidence about abuse they’ve suffered. These excessive delays only add to that pressure and interfere with justice. Speeding up young witness cases has been government policy since 1988 and is frequently re-stated but has still not been achieved. Our research shows that on average there is a 13 month gap between a child reporting an offence and the start of a Crown Court trial.
The NSPCC pioneered the first remote link facility in Exeter in 2002, and with 45% of those interviewed having to see the defendant when entering, leaving or waiting in the court building, there needs to be more in the UK. Cases involving children should now be fast tracked by the British judicial system, with video cross examination to avoid courtroom ordeals.
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