News
A first for Surrey – human trafficking case success
The Criminal Justice Agencies in Surrey have proved yet again they are committed to dealing with crime and bringing offenders to justice in a recent human trafficking case.
The case, the first of its kind in the Guildford area was centred on offences of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, including rape and blackmail as well as controlling prostitution for gain. The victim, a young polish student was subjected to repeated rape and threats of violence and was forced to work as a prostitute in return for payment for her university fees.
Following the trial at Guildford Crown Court the defendants, were found guilty of the offences and sentenced to 10 years and 7 years imprisonment respectively.
Neil Sweet, head of the Crown Court Unit at CPS Surrey said: “This case represents a successful conclusion to a difficult and complex case with the various agencies within the Criminal Justice System working together in partnership providing support to the complainant who returned from Poland to give evidence which showed a considerable amount of courage and determination.”
This is a great example of the efficient and effective multi-agency working that is being carried out in Surrey.
Portia Ragnauth, Chief Crown Prosecutor and Vice Chair Surrey Criminal Justice Board said: Human trafficking is abhorrent to society and must not be tolerated. It is gratifying to see all agencies working together to enable justice to be brought for this victim.”
This case certainly highlights how all parties can work together to deal with this particular group of offenders, support the victim and witnesses and ensure justice is served.
Surrey Justice staff and volunteers get local recognition
Criminal Justice staff and volunteers from all over Surrey attended a local justice awards event in January. The event, also attended by the Solicitor General Vera Baird, QC, was held to recognise and thanks the hardwork and achievements of those who work in the criminal justice system.
Surrey Criminal Justice Board Members with Vera Baird
Frontline staff and volunteers celebrated their successes as they were presented their awards by Ms Baird at Farnham Castle. She congratulated the winners on their dedication and support as well as their commitment.
Karen Page, Chief Probation Officer and Chair of Surrey Criminal Justice Board said: "Surrey Justice Awards help us to recognise the excellent work that is being carried out by CJS staff and volunteers all of which makes a real difference to ensuring justice is being done."
The event proved to be a fun day for all with people invited to network and meet fellow colleagues who work in Surrey.
CJSSS - making a real difference
CJSSS was introduced to Surrey in September 2007 and since then we seen success in the county's magistrates' courts.
CJSSS is designed to make justice faster, more efficient and more effective as well as improve the Criminal Justice System for victims, witnesses and offenders and the public. The result is to reduce the number of magistrates' courts hearings from an average of five or six to just one or two and cut the time taken to deal with cases to six weeks or less.
The success of CJSSS has been that all parties turn up to court ready to make progress, even the defendants. The intitiative has improved the service the Criminal Justice System provides to the public. Now at the first hearing issues are being challenged and special measures are being identified and flagged up at an early stage.
Intermediaries - helping vulnerable witnesses
A new initiative has been intoduced in Surrey to provide an effective tool to help deal with vulnerable witnesses. The Intermediaries scheme is one of a number of special measures introduced by the 'Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999' . The aim is to provide someone - an Intermediary - to assist a vulnerable witness communicate when brought into the system.
Intermediaries can assist a witness who is under 17, or whose eveidence could be diminished because they have a mental disorder or suffer with learning or physical disabilities understand questions as well as help them respond. They can carry out this role at any stage of the criminal justice process.
Intermediaries are professionals who have experience in dealing with people with different needs whether physical or mental. They will have completed a rigorous assessment process and they will abide by a code of practice. The idea is that they improve access to justice for vulnerable people as well as providing a useful service to criminal justice practitioners.
By providing practical information about witness needs they can improve decision making in a case.
If you would like further information on the scheme then please contcat SCJB secretariat on 01483 468332.