Crime victims can win appeal rights

Victims of crime will now be able to win the right to appeal against decisions by prosecutors not to charge suspects under a new policy unveiled today. The change to the criminal justice system relates to any Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decision not to charge a suspect. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keir Starmer QC has put the Victims' Right to Review (VRR) proposals out to consultation. The switch was sparked by a Court of Appeal ruling involving a case in which the CPS chose in 2007 not to bring sexual assault charges. Mr Starmer said the criminal justice system has traditionally treated victims as “bystanders” and given them little say in their cases. The DPP, who will leave the CPS in October, said the new VRR policy is one of the most significant victim schemes launched by the CPS. Any victim of crime, including bereaved family members or other representatives, can now request the CPS to review a case after a decision not to charge, to discontinue proceedings or offer no evidence. Those eligible for an improved service under the Victims' Code will also be offered talks with a prosecutor about the outcome of the review.

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