STALKERS' LET-OFF
Call for change as only 1.7% of stalking cases result in a conviction, damning figures reveal
That is despite evidence showing murderers often have a history of stalkin
ONLY 1.7 per cent of stalking cases result in a conviction, figures show.
Research found “systematic issues” in how police deal with the crime.
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It revealed less than half of forces record how many stalkers go on to commit other offences.
That is despite evidence showing murderers often have a history of stalking.
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust found that of 27 police forces which responded, only 11 were able to provide a detailed breakdown of subsequent crimes after stalking.
The trust, named after Suzy who vanished in 1986, found stalking behaviours were in 94 per cent of domestic homicides.
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Despite vowing to increase the number of stalking reports, 67 per cent of forces saw a decrease in the year ending March 2023.
The Home Office is today revealing changes to make it easier for police to apply for Stalking Protection Orders.
Cops will now only need to prove the behaviour on the balance of probabilities, rather than beyond reasonable doubt.
Emma Lingley-Clark, interim chief of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, says: “Without data that allows us to track stalkers’ journey through the criminal justice system, there is no accountability. We urgently need agencies to work together to tackle the long-term systemic issues.”
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Labour’s Shadow Attorney General Emily Thornberry said: “It tells us that this crime is still not being treated with the seriousness it deserves.”
On the updated guidance for cops, minister for victims and safeguarding, Laura Farris, said: “Lowering the standard of proof that must be met will make a big difference to how easily victims can access protection.”
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