Argus title : Why must our sick rape laws be skewed against innocent victims?
Some years ago I attended Brighton Crown Court with a young victim of serious sexual assault. She had been sadistically abused since childhood by an adult family member. In the process, her education, her health and her self confidence had been damaged almost beyond repair. What she retained was extraordinary courage and, despite her age, great dignity and composure.
As I stood speaking briefly to the detective who had led the investigation of the case, we were joined by another senior officer. He looked across the court foyer at the young girl who had suffered so much, and then laughed “well there are always 2 sides to a story aren’t there?” Stunned, I asked him what he meant and he replied: “Well you can tell just looking at her…she’s not exactly innocent is she?” Continue reading