North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has asked Ministers to extend protections for victims who have to give evidence in court.
Speaking during Justice Questions on Tuesday 5 September, Mr Tomlinson asked Under Secretary of State for Youth Offending, Victims, Female Offenders and Offender Health, Dr Phillip Lee MP:
“Research from Victim Support found that more than half of victims have unwanted contact with the defendant at court. How will the Government’s court reforms ensure that separate entrances, waiting rooms and facilities are standard across all criminal courts.”
The research from Victim Support showed that this could have an adverse effect on a case; with victims feeling unsafe or intimidated, and could result in an individual refusing to give evidence which could have been used to secure a prosecution.
Responding to Mr Tomlinson’s question, Dr Phillip Lee said:
“As I am sure my hon. Friend is aware, the Government are investing more than £1 billion to transform and modernise our court systems to make sure they put the needs of victims first. Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service recently established model victim and witness waiting rooms at Nottingham justice centre, Manchester magistrates court, Newcastle Crown court, Liverpool Crown court and Aldershot justice centre, drawing on feedback from the Victims’ Commissioner, the Witness Service and court users.”
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