Sexual history as defence ‘unjustified’

JUDGES are allowing rape victims be questioned in court about their sexual history in nearly three in four trials, leading to growing concern about the prejudicing of cases, according to research.

Rape victim support groups want the law changed because of the prevalence of ‘rape myths’ used by defence teams wanting to cross-examine victims about their sexual history.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) James Hamilton has admitted that legislation on when a victim’s sexual history is allowed in court is “limited”.