Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Legal News

Early rollout for scheme allowing victims of sexual offences to give pre-recorded evidence at trial (20 March 2017)

Date: 20/03/2017
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Early rollout for scheme allowing victims of sexual offences to give pre-recorded evidence at trial

The Ministry of Justice has announced greater protection for rape victims and children at risk of grooming, with a new offence of Sexual Communication with a Child being introduced and measures to support victims of sex crimes being accelerated.

Justice Secretary Liz Truss also announced that victims of sexual offences will soon be able to have their cross-examination recorded before the trial.

The rollout of the scheme will be fast-tracked to begin in September. The scheme was not due to begin until 2018, but will now start in September, after Justice Secretary Elizabeth Truss and senior judges agreed to accelerate the scheme.

Under the new offence of sexual communication with a child, those who groom children will face up to two years in prison – and will be automatically placed on the sex offenders’ register.

The new offence of sexual communication with a child will come into effect on 3 April 2017 – and will cover both online and offline communication, including communication through social media, email, and letters.

Justice Secretary Liz Truss said:

“Attitudes to sex crimes and victims have changed beyond all recognition in our lifetime – and rape prosecutions are now at record levels.

“With more victims now finding the confidence to come forward, I am determined to make their path to justice swifter and less traumatic.

“This will not reduce the right to a fair trial – but will make sure victims of these abhorrent crimes are protected and able provide their best possible evidence.”


Work to rollout pre-recorded evidence for child victims of sexual offences has already begun, following a successful pilot that showed child victims felt less pressure giving pre-trial evidence and were better able to recall events.

This led to more early guilty pleas, fewer cracked trials and victims reporting a more positive experience of the court process.

The law already includes protections to ensure that questions – including previous sexual history – can be deemed inadmissible. The rollout of pre-recorded evidence offers further protection, as questions can be edited out of the recording if barristers flout the rules.

The move comes ahead of the Second Reading of the Prisons and Courts Bill, which includes additional measures to protect vulnerable witnesses.

In criminal courts, the Bill paves the way for more virtual hearings – which means more vulnerable victims can give evidence away from the courtroom and without having to meet their attacker face to face.

In family proceedings, the government will also give courts the power to ban the practice of allowing domestic violence abusers to interrogate their victim in court. The Bill will bring family courts into line with criminal courts, which already have had the power to stop this practice.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving sexual offences, including rape, attempted rape, conspiracy to rape, sexual assault, grooming, child sexual exploitation, historical charges involving child sexual abuse, revenge porn, prostitution – and making, downloading, or distributing indecent images.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales – and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on sexual offences, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is Spencer House, 29 Grove Hill Road, Harrow, HA1 3BN. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.