Background

Mrs KM had suffered alleged sexual abuse and rape at the hands of a family member when she was a child. Later in her life she summonsed the considerable courage to report the matter to the Police. The Police interviewed her about the allegations and arrested and interviewed the alleged offender. However, following a review of the case, they chose to take no further action against the alleged offender, citing evidential insufficiency. 

KM was informed of her rights under the Victim’s Right to Review (“VRR”) scheme but being inexperienced in the operation of the criminal justice system, she chose to enlist legal assistance to give her VRR application the best chance of success. She instructed Quentin Hunt, specialist Criminal Barrister to assist on a direct public access basis. 

Quentin’s review and representations

Upon instruction Quentin asked to see all the documentation in the case, he reviewed this and held a conference with KM where he ascertained the details of the allegations that she put forward and the surrounding evidence. He also contacted the police to better understand their basis for deciding that there was insufficient evidence in the case. 

It soon became clear to Quentin that there was a fundamental lack of understanding by the Police as to the nature of the allegations and the evidence that they could gather in support but had not. Quentin worked closely with KM to put forward a very strong set of representations as to why the case should not be discontinued and what further evidence should be collected in order to provide a realistic prospect of conviction. 

The Police considered the representations put forward by Quentin and, accepted them. The Police agreed to re-open the investigation and pursue lines of enquiry suggested by Quentin prior to presenting the case to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision. Mrs KM was naturally pleased and relieved that she was finally being listened to.

How Quentin can assist with VRR applications

If you have made a compliant to the police that has been dismissed or no further action has been taken you may be able to enact a Victim’s Right to Review. View Quentin’s guide to the VRR scheme. The VRR scheme is able to be enacted by victim’s acting themselves, but many choose to instruct a lawyer to make representations to the police in order to give their case the best chance of progressing. 

Quentin Hunt is a specialist Criminal Barrister who has vast experience in dealing with VRR applications and has an excellent record of success. If you would like to have a free, no obligation conversation about how he can assist in your case please contact Quentin.