Public asked for views on handling of rape trials
The public will have their chance to give their views on how rape and other serious sexual offences cases are handled in Northern Ireland, as part of a wide-ranging review.
Last updated 10th Dec 2018
Sir John Gillen has made over 200 recommendations on how trials and cases should be handled, including proposals to ban members of the public from the gallery during them.
The Gillen Review will hold three public consultation events, starting with one in the City Hotel in Londonderry at 6pm on Monday.
The next will be held at the Ranfurly House Arts and Visitors Centre in Dungannon at 6pm on Tuesday.
The final event will go ahead at the same time in the School of Law at Queen's University Belfast on January 15.
The review was sparked after the high profile rape trial involving former Ulster and Ireland rugby stars Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding earlier this year.
Both men were acquitted at the conclusion of the trial.
Sir Gillen has said his aim is to make sure everyone has an input into the process.
"We want to ensure that no voice is left unheard," he said.
"We have already spoken to over 200 people and organisations but I still want to make sure anyone else who wants top contribute does so."
The former judge has already made hundreds of proposals in his preliminary report, published last month and said he is keen to hear more.
"Should we be allowing the public into these cases?" he said.
"Should we be providing legal representation for complainants?
"Should we be anonymising the accused's name? I'm completely committed to doing that pre-trial but what about post-trial?
"Should we be looking very closely at a major problem which is delay in the system?
"It's extremely important (to get the public's views)
"The administration of justice in Northern Ireland is something that is a crucial component and the public have a right to make a serious input into how the rule of law operates in Northern Ireland."
Sir Gillen has spoken to several complainants and accused throughout the process and has said it has given him a unique insight into the major problems here.
"Although I'd been a judge for 18 years and a barrister 29 years, meeting with them gave me a completely fresh insight into the issues that beset the law and procedure in serious sexual offences," he said.
"It is without doubt the most harrowing aspect of this review, meeting with complainants."
The schedule for final recommendations following public consultation would see those submitted before the end of February.