Sex crime victims ‘failed’ five years after major report on improving the justice system – The Irish News

Victims are being let down five years after a groundbreaking investigation into the way the justice system in the north deals with serious sex crimes, it has been warned.

Key recommendations from former appeal judge Sir John Gillen’s 2019 report have yet to be implemented, Victims of Crime Commissioner-designate Geraldine Hanna said on the fifth anniversary of its publication.

The independent review began in 2018 and focused on how courts are set up to deliver justice in cases of serious sexual offences. The order was made following the high-profile rape case against former Ulster rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, both of whom were acquitted.

The report made more than 200 recommendations, including granting anonymity to people suspected of sexual offenses until they are charged, which came into effect last year.

Key recommendations included limiting public access to trials involving serious sexual offenses and pre-recording cross-examinations of complainants.

The failure to implement key recommendations has drawn criticism from the Northern Commissioner-designate for crime victims.

The role was created by Justice Minister Naomi Long in 2022 to give crime victims an independent voice and make recommendations for change.

“Victims of sex crimes have been let down by the fact that five years after the publication of Sir John’s report, many of his recommendations remain unfinished,” Ms Hanna said.

“There have been positive changes, including the introduction of Sexual Offenses Legal Advisers (SOLAs) and the establishment of remote evidence centres.

“But there is no doubt that this has gone on too long. An underfunded system, stagnation and dysfunction at Stormont have all contributed to the delay.

“While it is encouraging to see more victims coming forward to report sexual crimes, we need to ensure that the system they then engage with is fit for purpose.

“I would like to see a renewed focus from the Criminal Justice Board on this and the publication of an updated plan on how the rest of these recommendations will be implemented.”

Ms Hanna said the pace of change “remains too slow and the voices of victims engaging with my office underline the urgency of continued pressure to ensure Gillen’s vision for a better justice system is fully realised”.

She added: “We cannot afford to wait another five years to fully implement the report’s recommendations.”

The Ministry of Justice has been contacted for comment.