Like your readers (Letters, 20 August), I was shocked and disturbed when I read the article by Alexandra Heminsley (Yes, bystanders can save women from sexual assault. But I know first-hand that’s not always enough, 17 August). The comments reported as being made by the magistrate are appalling, and it’s important that this case is investigated if it hasn’t already been. I have contacted Alexandra to ask if she can provide more details about her court case.
Violence against women and girls has been declared a national emergency, with almost 3,000 cases recorded every day across England and Wales. The Magistrates’ Association is committed to ensuring that courts improve the way they deal with these cases and that magistrates receive the training they need to play their part in doing so.
We are a membership body for magistrates in England and Wales – we exist to support and guide our members, and help them be better magistrates. We are not responsible for the recruitment, training and disciplinary process for magistrates, although we do work with and influence those who do, and we take violence against women and girls very seriously.
We can’t comment on the specifics of cases as we are not in a position to know all the facts. But magistrates must follow legal advice when deciding cases and adhere to a code of conduct regarding their behaviour. Where inappropriate comments are made in court, it is important they are referred to the complaints panels for magistrates so that the judicial authorities can investigate and take action.
We want people’s experience of the criminal justice system to be a positive one. This goes beyond the verdict to making sure that people feel they are treated with dignity and respect, and that the process has been felt to be fair.
Tom Franklin
Chief executive, Magistrates’ Association
