Luke Pollard MP has called for Plymouth to be prioritised in the rollout of specialist courts dealing with rape and serious sexual offences.
The Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP has written to the Justice Secretary following today’s announcement that every Crown Court in England and Wales will receive at least one specialist courtroom for these cases.
Mr Pollard said victims of rape in Devon and Cornwall wait an average of 753 days between reporting an offence and their case being heard in court, with too many withdrawing before reaching that stage.
The new courtrooms will include private entrances and waiting rooms, along with facilities allowing victims to record evidence in advance and observe sentencing remotely.
Mr Pollard said: “It’s shameful that victims of rape in Plymouth are being left waiting years for their attacker to be brought to justice.
“Plymouth has been rocked by horrific sexual violence too often. Our city must be at the front of this rollout of specialist courts, so we can deliver justice to victims.”
Photographs © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post