A SENIOR North-East judge has told victims of sexual assault there has never been a better time to tell police following the launch of a groundbreaking pilot scheme.

Durham Police is the first force in the country to offer sex attack victims the chance to give their evidence without ever having to go into a court building.

Instead, victims can talk to the judge, jury and barristers via a live video link from the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Sarc) near Durham City.

It is hoped the system will give more women and men who have been sexually assaulted the courage to come forward and report their abuse.

Experts say the prospect of giving evidence in open court can be a deterrent to reporting crimes.

The video link means victims do not have to worry about coming face to face with the defendant.

The link was the idea of Sarc manager Beverley Stoker, who has seen first-hand the stress endured by victims having to go to court.

"Going to court can be a terribly negative experience for victims," she said.

"They may never have been to a court before and there's the anxiety of seeing the offender again.

"I thought there must be a better way - at the end of the day they're not on trial so why should they have to go to court?"

Mrs Stoker approached the Recorder of Durham, Judge Christopher Prince, who immediately backed the idea of the live link and agreed it should be piloted in County Durham and Darlington.

Judge Prince described the live link as a "radical" development within the criminal justice system.

"There is no doubt that in the past it was very difficult for victims to bring offenders to justice, but the launch of this live link shows the criminal justice system is adapting to ensure victims are treated sensibly, sensitively and civilly from start to finish.

"I would urge victims to come forward whether they were sexually assaulted yesterday or 50 years ago - there has never been a better time to report a sexual offence."

The scheme has been approved by the Ministry of Justice.

If the pilot proves successful, it is expected similar live links will be rolled out across the country.

The first case using the live link has already been heard by Judge Prince at Durham Crown Court.

The young victim who gave evidence via the link and was cross-examined for less than five minutes, answering four questions from the defence barrister that had been pre-approved by the judge.

The defendant was later found guilty of two counts of rape and is awaiting sentence.

Barrister Christine Egerton, who defended the man, said the system worked well.

"Witnesses are able to give evidence from a purpose-built suite without the need to attend the court building at any time. Time waiting to give evidence is also minimised to the least possible.

"Both these factors mean that the whole experience will be greatly improved for witnesses when they answer questions within the trial process."

Prosecutor Rupert Dodswell added: "For those of us that regularly prosecute cases involving vulnerable complainants this separate video link location will provide invaluable assistance.

"It will ensure that there is no inadvertent contact between a complainant and a defendant or their family outside the court building and as such, it is another important step in the protection of vulnerable witnesses."

Durham Police Chief Constable Mike Barton said Judge Prince had "pushed the barriers" to pilot the live link system.

He added: "Even as a cop of 36 years, court can be an intimidating place when you're giving evidence. I can never imagine just how hard it would be as a victim of sexual assault.

"This link is another reassuring facility for victims to come forward and know that they will be treated humanely and respectfully."

Graeme Goldsmith, Her Majesty's Courts & Tribunals Service's North-East head of crime, has also been involved in getting the pilot off the ground.

He said: "The link site is a real example of how criminal justice agencies working together can create the best possible experience for victims and witnesses, allowing them to give evidence without coming to court.

"The early feedback is extremely positive - those who have developed the site should be really proud of what they have achieved."

If you have experienced sexual assault and need support please call the police on 999 in emergency or 101. Alternatively, call the Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0191-301-8554.