DPP to explain why rape cases not prosecuted

THE Director of Public Prosecutions, James Hamilton, is to unveil plans within a year to give victims of rape and sexual assault detailed explanations in cases where it is decided not to bring a criminal prosecution.

Addressing a criminal law conference at University College Cork, Mr Hamilton said there was still considerable room for improvement in the way the legal system treats victims of crime.

Just over 18 months ago, Mr Hamilton began offering the families of people who died as a result of a crime the reasons why his office decided against bringing a prosecution in the case.