‘A’ case blamed for drop in rape reportings

THE RAPE Crisis Network of Ireland (RCNI) has expressed concern that the 47% drop in unlawful carnal knowledge cases being reported to gardaí is a direct result of the recent 'A' case.

The sharp decline in reportings was recorded in the Department of Justice’s quarterly crime figures, published yesterday.

The RCNI has warned that the fall-off does not mean there has been a drop in such assaults on minors but that it could be “a result of loss of public confidence in our legal system, following the recent A case”.