LISTEN: Slight rise in sexual offence cases meeting test for prosecution

by Q Radio News

There's been an increase in the number of sexual offence cases here which have met the test for prosecution.

The new figures released today by NISRA - also show an increased conviction rate at Crown and Magistrates Courts.

Just under a third of all decisions met the test in the 2018 to 2019 financial year.

Details are included in the latest Statistical Bulletin released by the Public Prosecution Service and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency on sexual offence cases in Northern Ireland.

The PPS says it's taking the slight rise of over 1 per cent in reports to police - as a sign that victims are having the confidence to come forward.

Key findings:

• The PPS received a total of 1,684 files involving a sexual offence. This was an increase of 5.6% on 2018/19 (1,594). There was a rise of 6.9% in the number of files received involving a rape offence, from 610 to 652.
• Files received included a total of 1,801 suspects, 706 of whom were charged or reported for rape (an increase of 10.8% on 2018/19) and 1,095 for other sexual offences (an increase of 4.5%).
• 1,755 prosecutorial decisions were issued by the PPS in respect of suspects in cases involving sexual offences. The Test for Prosecution was met in respect of 28.7% of decisions, which included 503 decisions for prosecution or diversion from the courts. At 28.7%, the percentage of decisions meeting the Test represents a small increase on 2018/19 (27.4%).
• 67 defendants were dealt with in the Crown Court for an offence of rape and 36 (53.7%) of these were convicted of at least one offence (i.e. any offence). 20 (29.9%) defendants were convicted of an offence of rape.

Head of the PPS Serious Crime Unit, Ciaran McQuillan welcomed victims coming forward and urged more victims to come forward, even during the pandemic when court cases may be delayed.

Ciaran McQuillan

He said: “While it is encouraging to see a modest improvement in some of the figures including conviction rates, we recognise that there are difficult times ahead as the criminal justice system and wider society copes with the inevitable impact of Covid-19.

“We recognise the enormous courage of victims of rape and sexual assault. I want to appeal especially to victims not to lose heart in the process if you have been told that your case is on hold during the unavoidable delay that is currently affecting many court cases. No case or person has been forgotten about and our work is continuing so your case is ready to go to court when possible."