Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden has praised new facilities in the towns’ magistrates courts to protect victims and witnesses from intimidation – and urged Government to continue strengthening their protection and rights.  

Speaking in the Commons in Questions to Justice Secretary Jack Straw, Mr Marsden said the separate special areas which protect victims and witnesses from coming face-to-face with family or associates of the accused were “very much welcome” – the Blackpool MP has in the past raised concerns with Ministers about stronger protection for those testifying against criminals.  

In reply, Jack Straw said “there has been a quiet revolution in how victims and witnesses are treated – the more assistance given all the way through the system, the better – to ensure those guilty of crimes are convicted.”  

Mr Marsden said afterwards “I have lobbied consistently against over lenient sentences and I know many of my constituents feel we need to support victims’ who have the courage to testify in court against offenders. The welcome initiatives with Victim Support visits locally and the very practical new secure areas in court buildings in Blackpool and elsewhere in Lancashire are going a long way to rebalancing the justice system against the criminal and in favour of law-abiding citizens.”

01/05/08