Injustice

[moe]

Hello,

I have a friend who has recently been raped. She has been told by the CPS that the case will not go to court. She feels this is a great injustice (as do I). Can anyone provide any website links with advice on what to do next?

Thank you.

[val lavender]

Hi Moe

if the CPS have said that they do not intend to prosecute the case must be very weak, normally the CPS will prosecute any rape case however flimsy the evidence.

It is possible to complain about a decision by the CPS, and details of this can be found on their website at enquiries@cps.gov.uk or by telephone 020 7796 8500

It is also possible, though rarely done, to take out a private prosecution in either the criminal or civil courts. If proceedings are succesfully commenced in the criminal courts the CPS normally step in and take over such actions [though it must be said that they often do this with the intention of discontinuing the action]

If an action is taken in the civil courts for damages this has the advantage that the required standard of proof is much lower, ie "on the balance of probabilities" as opposed to "beyond all reasonable doubt"

Val

[moe]

Thanks Val,

It is more of a case of police incompetence, them not even contacting some of the individuals present on the night in question. One of the main investigators even admitting to 'liking' the attacker.

[val lavender]

Hi Moe

if that is the case it is possible to complain about the way that the police conducted the investigation.

This can be done in one of two ways:-

The first method is to go to a police station and ask to make a complaint about the officer in the case on the grounds that he has been derelict in his duty. Normally such matters are dealt with by a sergeant or inspector and this can result in a lenghty wait while a suitable person becomes available [ take a good book with you]

The second method is to make a complaint via the IPCC and in this case all the initial submissions can be done over the telephone or in writing. The IPCC can be contacted on 08453 002 002 or via their website enquiries@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk.

A more radical step, but one that can sometimes be very effective, is to make an appointment to see your MP at their constituancy surgery. If you search for UK members of parliament there are several sites that contain lists of MP's and their contact details.

A further alternative is to go to your local CAB and run it by them and see what they say

I hope that the suggestions above are of some help

Val