THE criminal justice system has in the past put barriers in the way of sexual assault victims seeking justice, says one of the region's most senior judges.

According to the Recorder of Durham Judge Christopher Prince, anyone alleging they had been the victim of a sex attack was forced to embark on an arduous journey if they were to convince a jury they were telling the truth and see their attacker punished.

"In the old days there was rather the attitude that victims ought to be put through an assault course with a highly confrontational process if they want to bring offenders to court," says the judge.

"Now it's recognised that there should be as few hurdles and impediments as possible so that evidence can be given and perpetrators can be brought to justice."

The removal in County Durham and Darlington of the requirement for victims of sexual assault to attend the court building is one of those hurdles to be removed.

Judge Prince describes the groundbreaking pilot scheme, which he has supported ever since the idea was brought to him by Durham Police's Bev Stoker, manager of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Sarc) near Durham City, as a "radical" change in the way the system treats victims.

It has been the case for several years that those alleging they had been sexually assaulted in the Durham Police area would be taken to the Sarc to be interviewed and for any forensic evidence to be recovered.

The centre has been designed to be, as far as is possible, a homely, safe and welcoming place, with comfortable furniture, toys for children, facilities for showering and trained advisors on hand.

However, victims wanting to press ahead with a prosecution would ultimately still probably have to attend court to give evidence, if the defendant denied the allegations.

The launch of the live link pilot scheme, which it is expected will be rolled out across the country, has changed that and ensures that women, and sometimes men, can get justice without ever having to enter a police station, hospital or court building.

"Most people think that if they come forward to report a sexual assault they will have to go into a court room and accept being aggressively questioned by a defence barrister.

"However, this is now not the case. In County Durham and Darlington the criminal justice system now allows victims to have their interview with police recorded at the Sarc.

"This recording is played in court to the jury and when it is time for the defence barrister to cross-examine the witness, this can be done over the new live link."

The judge adds that despite courtroom scenes on television suggesting otherwise, it is now no longer acceptable for defence barrister to inflict a verbal assault on vulnerable victims.

"A judge would simply not let that happen," adds Judge Prince.

"With the new live link, victims don't even have to come to court - never mind be aggressively and confrontationally questioned in the witness box."

In some cases, particularly with young victims, the defence will have to have any questions pre-approved by the judge before the witness is cross-examined, although Judge Prince stresses that all judges must remain impartial in every case brought before them.

THE judge added that in the past the criminal justice system had been difficult for people to engage with.

"The criminal justice system has now adapted and it is now easier than ever to do so.

"We have now reached the stage where a victim can participate as fully as ever in the criminal justice process without attending a police station, hospital or court building."

The judge thanked the Northern Echo for publicising the launch of the live link.

"It's vital that the public knows it has adapted and measures like the live link are in place so we can encourage victims to come forward irrespective of whether a sexual offence took place yesterday or 50 years ago.

"By coming forward they may achieve justice and perhaps some closure, and in doing so encourage others who have been victims to also come forward.

"In the long term we need to get the message out there as a deterrent that those who commit sex offences will be brought to justice."

"There has never been a better time to report a sexual assault and I would urge victims to come forward," he adds.

- If you have experienced sexual assault and need support please call the police on 101 or 999 in emergency. Alternatively, call the Sexual Assault Referral Centre 0191-3018554.