Northern Crime Victims 'Feel Let Down'

An independent watchdog that oversees the criminal justice system in the North has said more needs to be done for victims of crime and also for court witnesses.

The Criminal Justice Inspection (CJI) said there should also be time limits on how long it takes cases to go through the courts and while the report said there had been positive developments in the treatment of victims and witnesses, they said victims felt let down as "more attention was paid to the needs of the accused".

The Stormont Justice Minister David Ford has welcomed the report and said yesterday that he accepted - and is pressing ahead - on their recommendation to establish Witness Care Units as a single point of contact for victims and witnesses of crime.

The Alliance party Leader and NI Executive Minister said these units will help improve communications within the criminal justice system by providing information for those attending court and updates on how the case is progressing.

He said that an action plan has been prepared responding to the report's recommendations.

Speaking on Tuesday, David Ford said: "One of the key recommendations in the report was the establishment of a single point of contact for victims and witnesses.

"The PSNI and the Public Prosecution Service have already commenced preparatory work on the creation of Witness Care Units and how they will operate.

"In establishing a single point of contact for victims and witnesses, the units will provide information for those attending court and updates on how the case is progressing," he said.

"The Witness Care Units will also aid referrals to other organisations if a victim or witness requires specialist help," he added and said that whilst the report acknowledges the improvements in recent years, it has also highlighted a number of areas that can be improved upon.

He said he had written to the heads of the agencies in the criminal justice system asking them to nominate a senior official to act as their victim's champion.

He said: "The Chief Inspector has highlighted a number of areas where the Criminal Justice Agencies could do more.

"I have already commissioned work on the development of a new strategy for victims and witnesses of crime, and [this] report will help inform that strategy.

"I also look forward to receiving the findings of the recently announced Justice Committee inquiry into the services available to victims and witnesses of crime.

"I know that the criminal justice agencies, and our voluntary sector partners, are committed to improving the victim's journey through the criminal justice system and ensuring that all those who come forward to play their part in the justice process are properly supported.

"The recommendation to create victims champions within organisations can only help that work. I am confident that by working in partnership we can provide the service that victims and witnesses deserve," he concluded.

(BMcC)