EXCLUSIVE GIRL KILLED HERSELF

THE mum of a teenage rape victim who took her own life after she was forced to hold up her underwear in court has blasted a landmark ruling which could allow complainers to be questioned on their sexual history.

- BY JENNIFER HYLAND

Linda Armstrong's 17-year-old daughter died in July 2002 weeks after giving evidence against the 15-year-old who had raped her.

During the trial Lindsay, from New Cumnock in Ayrshire, was told to hold up the thong she was wearing the night she was attacked to the jury and was also forced to read the words “Little Devil” by lawyer Andy Aitken that had been written across the front.

The court case prompted calls for changes to the way rape victims are treated and since then, special measures have been introduced, including barrier screens being put up to protect witnesses and victims from the rest of the court.