436 rape trials postponed at last minute over the last eight years

HUNDREDS of rape trials have been cancelled at the last minute over the last eight years, government figures show.

Since 2015, 436 were postponed the day before they were due to start.

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A shortage of judges, strikes, mistakes and the pandemic were blamed.

Some victims who had waited years for justice then withdrew cases.

Jayne Butler, the chief executive of charity Rape Crisis, said: “The postponing and rescheduling of cases multiple times is devastating the mental well-being of victims and survivors.”

Some have suffered panic attacks, marriage problems or felt suicidal.

The Ministry of Justice said it was working to “speed up cases”.

The MoJ said: “As we build confidence in the system since our Rape Review was commissioned, more people are coming forward….

“We have taken direct actions to speed up the progression of adult rape cases through the system, matched by a quadrupling of funding for vital victim support services.”