Michael Evans aquittal; some quotes...

[Casehardened]

Mrs Saunders said ‘victims may not always think of themselves as victims’ and used cases involving grooming as an example. She also pointed out an 86 per cent prosecution success rate across all cases.

But last night, detailed figures on sex attacks provided by the CPS showed those prosecutions have a much lower success rate.
Some 63 per cent of rape cases ended in a conviction in 2011/12, meaning more than one in three defendants walked free. The success rate was slightly higher for sexual offences, at 77 per cent, but nearly one in four cases still ended in a not guilty verdict. Mrs Saunders came under fire from her predecessor as Director of Public Prosecutions, Lord Macdonald of River Glaven, QC, who said prosecutors needed to ‘keep a cool head’ when approaching historical abuse cases. He told The Times: ‘We don’t want prosecutors only to bring sure-fire winners, that way lots of guilty people would never be taken to court.

‘The more challenging cases need to be prosecuted too, so that the courts can decide. What the CPS need to avoid, however, is going on a mission and losing perspective. This particularly applies to historical cases which have garnered a lot of publicity. You have to keep a cool head.’
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti..._campaign=1490

So was Lord Macdonald replaced as DPP in 2008 by the then government by Keir Starmer because of his sensible outlook?

She [Alison Saunders] said decisions to prosecute are normally based on police documents and video interviews, saying "evidence is tested in court in a way in which we are not able to when we make our decision".

A surprising admission to which I can't think of a suitable response!

http://news.uk.msn.com/uk/top-prosec...s-evans-case-1


Mr Evans said: "That's absolutely right. There are no winners ... so no celebrations.

"All I can say is that after the last 11 months I've gone through, nothing will ever be the same again."

http://news.sky.com/story/1240708/cp...ices-claims-mp

I think many on here can relate to this and fortunately Michael Evans has media attention to be able to highlight his predicament. Despite Alisons Saunders defence of her department they have had a kicking from the media and will doubtless be a little more circumspect in future.

[frightened spouse]

[QUOTE=Casehardened;47559][I]Mrs Saunders said ‘victims may not always think of themselves as victims’ and used cases involving grooming as an example. She also pointed out an 86 per cent prosecution success rate across all cases.

But last night, detailed figures on sex attacks provided by the CPS showed those prosecutions have a much lower success rate.
Some 63 per cent of rape cases ended in a conviction in 2011/12, meaning more than one in three defendants walked free. The success rate was slightly higher for sexual offences, at 77 per cent, but nearly one in four cases still ended in a not guilty verdict. Mrs Saunders came under fire from her predecessor as Director of Public Prosecutions, Lord Macdonald of River Glaven, QC, who said prosecutors needed to ‘keep a cool head’ when approaching historical abuse cases. He told The Times: ‘We don’t want prosecutors only to bring sure-fire winners, that way lots of guilty people would never be taken to court.

http://t.co/4ArpPQy73e

Is it possible to trust any of the figures trotted out by the cps we know how under represented false allegations are. The article above suggests successful prosecutions are even lower. I predict Max Clifford will be acquitted in the next few days putting even more pressure on the CPS.

I have contacted Nigel Evans will be interesting to see if I get a response

[is there justice?]

Although I really feel for Nigel Evans and Bill Roache and wouldn't wish FAs on anyone, these are the cases that are in full public view so to speak. Their comments are ones that most people can't make when acquitted and I'm really glad they have spoken out. Quite a few people I know have said how disgraceful it is that defendants can't recoup costs etc. maybe the tide will turn....

[whatsgoingon?]

When is a victim not a victim???? Is it the suffering entailed that makes one a victim or is it that someone comitted a crime against you, you didn't realise, weren't aware of suffering and need to be told you were so that you will then suffer and can be helped over this ? Interesting discussion point...

She [Alison Saunders] said decisions to prosecute are normally based on police documents and video interviews, saying "evidence is tested in court in a way in which we are not able to when we make our decision".

Why does this sound very amateurish and potentially dangerous to me??? Well, the police force have a specially trained officers to investigate sexual crimes...surely the CPS could also benefit from the specialist knowledge of experts an psycholgists? What about finding new ways to investigate to seek out the truth? Instead, it needs to be 'tested' in court, once the accused is run down with anxiety and exhaution (not forgetting the severe social consequences he may have faced), in an archaic system which partly relies on the ability and motivation of his legal representation to see that justice is done against an opponent who is hell-bent on 'winning' at any cost.

The truth is, those who are supposed to be upholding justice are doing quite the opposite.

[can it get worse]

Very good point WGO.