England: Why are some rapists only receiving a police caution?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6740289.stm
I find it deeply concerning that a large number of sex offenders are being basiclaly let off with a caution. The number of rapists cautioned has been stated as 230 and we are told this includes cases where the victims have not wanted to proceed with the prosecution. The article states:
Kirsty Brimelow, a criminal barrister dealing with rape cases, says that most cautions apply to very old allegations.
"I do think we've got to be a bit wary of these statistics because I think they'd be more significant if it were accompanied by a public outcry by various victims who think that they have been ignored," she says.
"So their views are taken into account, but it would also be explained to them, for example, if it were felt that there was no realistic prospect of conviction but the defendant was offering a caution through his solicitor."
However, no-one seems to be addressing the reasons WHY the victim might be told there is no realistic prospect of conviction, again highlighting the collusion of the legal system with the rapist.
I find it deeply concerning that a large number of sex offenders are being basiclaly let off with a caution. The number of rapists cautioned has been stated as 230 and we are told this includes cases where the victims have not wanted to proceed with the prosecution. The article states:
Kirsty Brimelow, a criminal barrister dealing with rape cases, says that most cautions apply to very old allegations.
"I do think we've got to be a bit wary of these statistics because I think they'd be more significant if it were accompanied by a public outcry by various victims who think that they have been ignored," she says.
"So their views are taken into account, but it would also be explained to them, for example, if it were felt that there was no realistic prospect of conviction but the defendant was offering a caution through his solicitor."
However, no-one seems to be addressing the reasons WHY the victim might be told there is no realistic prospect of conviction, again highlighting the collusion of the legal system with the rapist.