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.
Shirley from Hastings, who wants to keep her surname anonymous, tells Greatest Hits Radio that it's "completely unfair" victims have to pay for their court transcripts.
Normally sentencing remarks cost hundreds of pounds to access. Full court transcripts can cost thousands.
Shirley says: "The lawyers, the prosecutor, the judge, the jury, they're all there because of us, and yet we're the ones that have to pay. It seems completely unfair."
Shirley didn't qualify for the government pilot because her case received a not-guilty verdict.
She adds, if she'd had access to the pilot and received her sentencing remarks, it may help her look at the case from a more objective standpoint, and help her to move on.
Currently she tells us "it didn't feel balanced" at all. It felt "very unfair" and "favoured" towards her perpetrator. She adds having the full court transcript may have helped her to see a different side to it.
The Open Justice for All campaign, who campaigned for the government pilot, are calling for the trial to be made permanent, as well as access to full court transcripts free of charge.
Between May 2024 and 25 April 2025, HM Courts & Tribunals Service received 498 applications under the pilot for free sentencing remarks.
Victoria, who has also wanted to remain anonymous, tells Greatest Hits Radio she was quoted £22,000 for her daughter's transcript.
Her daughter was victim of a rape trial that lasted three weeks.
"I wasn't allowed in the trial but I had to know what was said.
"She came out of completely in tears, she'd had a panic attack in the court, and was left wanting to take her own life.
After initially refusing to pay for the transcript, Victoria decided to reapply when her daughter's mental health deteriorated.
"Somebody had actually already had it transcribed so we ended up getting it for £2,000 but it's still incredibly expensive" says Victoria.
Victoria added that accessing the transcript was "crucial" in her daughter's healing and processing of the case.
"It's so important people have a copy to look at. It'll help them move on and heal, they can't dwell on this forever.
"You end up thinking you're making it up, or that you're being over-sensitive. For my daughter, it was absolutely crucial and validating.
The Scottish justice committee is in its second year of a pilot allowing victims free access to their full court transcript.
Campaigners in Scotland are now 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.