\n<\/p>\n
The Freedom of Information figures on dropped cases obtained by the BBC include four sexual offences and 31 “offences against the person”, which cover a range of violent offences from harassment to murder.<\/p>\n
Fraud, burglary and robbery cases were also among the terminated cases which, after victims asked for a review, the CPS later admitted should have been prosecuted.<\/p>\n
The CPS said it had “huge sympathy” for victims whose cases could not be reopened because no evidence had been offered.<\/p>\n
“We strive for justice in every possible case and decisions to halt them are never taken lightly,” a spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
In 2018, the High Court found that it was not unlawful for the CPS to close a case by offering no evidence before a victim was able to challenge the decision.<\/p>\n
In his judgement, Lord Justice Holroyde concluded that allowing a victim’s review before the prosecution was terminated would cause serious and unjustifiable delay in proceedings. <\/p>\n
He added that the admission of error – and an apology – was an important outcome of a victim’s right to review, even if the case could not be reopened.<\/p>\n
The victim’s right-to-review scheme gives complainants three months to seek a review of a CPS decision.<\/p>\n
The CPS received 1,961 review requests in the year to March 2021. In 270 cases, the original decision was overturned.<\/p>\n
The CPS said in many cases the prosecution could be reopened, however it was legally prevented from doing so if no evidence had been offered.<\/p>\n
Dame Vera Baird, the former victim’s commissioner for England and Wales, who recently resigned from the role, said the current right-to-review system was “unacceptable”, and cases should be kept alive until a victim had been able to request a review.<\/p>\n
“If the CPS don’t change to help rather than hinder rape victims there must be legislation,” she said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n