Rape victims call for "crucial" government trial to be made permanent
The pilot for free sentencing remarks for victim survivors of sexual offences closes on May 28
Rape victims who have been through the courts tell us being able to read over what a judge has said in court whilst sentencing their attacker is "absolutely crucial" for healing and moving on.
It's as a government pilot is set to close, which allows victims of sexual offences to access the transcripts of the sentencing remarks free of charge.
Launched in May 2024, the trial only applies to those whose case got a guilty verdict.
Normally sentencing remarks cost hundreds of pounds to access. Full court transcripts can cost thousands.
A woman in Cumbria accessed the pilot scheme herself after being the victim of rape and other offences.
She wishes to remain anonymous and tells Greatest Hits Radio she was quoted £40,000 for her full transcript.
She said: "The advice is always given, for the victim, not to stay in court after they have given evidence, and that was the same advice I was given.
"I did not want to stay in court, I did not want to see my abuser at all. But when I heard about the court transcripts being free, on a trial, I knew that would be a good thing.
"People do not know what has happened in court, they don't know whether the judge or jury has a real feeling for what has happened."
Although hesitant to join the trial and access the sentencing remarks over concerns of what she may read, she eventually decided to take part.
"I applied, two days later it landed on my door step. I was in two minds. I was unsure if it would retraumatise me or not.
"I did open it, and it is one of the most validating documents that a rape survivor will ever put in their hands.
"It's powerful."
Between May 2024 and 25 April 2025, HM Courts & Tribunals Service received 498 applications under the pilot for free sentencing remarks.
It comes as 'The Open Justice for All campaign' call for the trial to be made permanent, as well as access to full court transcripts free of charge.
The Scottish justice committee has launched a pilot for access to full court transcripts for the second year.
Scottish campaigners are calling for court transcripts to be included in the Victims Witnesses and Justice Reform Bill.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said:
“We know the value transcripts can have for victims of rape and sexual offences and will provide an update on the pilot in due course."
“The Government is also looking to use technology to bring down the cost of transcription in criminal courts without compromising on accuracy.”
If you are a victim of a sexual offence and had a sentencing hearing after March 2012 you can apply for free sentencing remarks here by May 28 2025.