Law could be changed to protect alleged rape victims following Ched Evans trial, Attorney General reveals
Footballer was cleared of rape earlier this month after the alleged victim’s sexual history was revealed in court to the jury
LAWS could be changed to give greater protection to alleged rape victims following the Ched Evans case, the Attorney General suggested yesterday
The footballer was cleared of rape earlier this month after his alleged victim’s sexual history was revealed in court.
MPs have condemned the decision to allow the jury to hear details from two of her previous sexual partners.
Jeremy Wright QC told the Commons yesterday the issue was of “concern”.
He said the law and guidance for judges and how they instruct juries could be reformed as the result of a review.
He said: “We need to understand more about the decision in this particular case, we need to understand whether a change in the law is appropriate.”
He said if no change was appropriate, the guidance given to judges about when evidence is admissible and how judges advise juries should be looked at.
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He added: “We must be confident that the message sent to those who may be currently worried about reporting these sorts of offences is not that they are not encouraged to do so, quite the reverse, they are, and we need to make sure that messages are clear.”
Over 40 female Labour MPs had written to the Attorney General to press for change.
Labour’s Shadow Solicitor-General Nick Thomas-Symonds said he welcomed the decision to look at the issue.
He said there were “grave recent concerns about the admissibility of a complainant’s previous sexual history in rape trials”.
And he warned “single high-profile cases can give rise to wider perceptions about the law” and urged ministers to ensure victims are encouraged to come forward.
He said last night: “It is vital that we do all we can to ensure that rape victims are not deterred from coming forward.”
Former Solicitor General Vera Baird said the case had put Britain back “probably about 30 years”.
Last night Polly Neate, chief executive of Women’s Aid, said: “The prospect of having their sexual history dissected in court will deter women from reporting rape – a crime which is already hugely under-reported and has a very low conviction rate.
“The Ched Evans case has received enormous amounts of publicity and we know that the impact on the complainant’s life has been devastating.
“Whatever the outcome of any case, no woman should be criticised or blamed for saying she has been raped.
“Furthermore, a woman’s past sexual history has no relevance to whether or not she has been a victim of rape, and the deep-seated cultural belief that it does must be challenged wherever possible.
“The Ched Evans case could have a very dangerous impact and action should be taken to prevent this.”