Court delays push victims into suicide

CRIME victims lost even more "faith and trust" in the justice system after cases arising from the Southport riots were fast-tracked, a report claims.

- By Michael Knowles Home Affairs Editor

Victims Commissioner Baroness Newlove found that some attempted suicide or turned to drink and drugs to cope with delays to trials.

Almost half had their trials delayed, and one domestic abuse case was adjourned five times in two years. A quarter of cases had been moved at least four times.

Baroness Newlove said many victims of the most serious offences including rape, murder and robbery face years-long waits for justice in the Crown Courts.