Pre-recorded evidence for rape victims rolled in Wales

Rape victims will be “spared the stress” of being cross-examined in court under a measure rolled out to every Crown Court in Wales by the UK Government this week.

The provision – which is already available in 47 of England’s Crown Courts – allows victims and witnesses of crimes such as rape and modern slavery to have their cross-examination video-recorded and played later during trail. This is subject to a successful application to the court.

The recording takes place as close to the time of the offence as possible, while memories remain fresh, and helps victims avoid the stress of giving evidence in a live trial, which many find traumatic, the UK Government said.

From this week, all six Crown Courts in Wales will now offer this support, including in Caernarfon, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Mold, Newport and Swansea.

Secretary of State for Wales Robert Buckland said:

“To improve conviction rates for rape and sexual violence it is vital that victims can provide the best possible evidence and are not further traumatised by their experiences in court.

“Video evidence works and is part of our ongoing programme to transform the criminal justice system so victims are at its centre. I helped begin this work during my previous role in government and I am delighted to see these measures being rolled out in every crown court in Wales.”

Justice remains an area reserved to the UK Government.