Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Attorney General, what steps he is taking to ensure that courts take account of the content of victims' statements in considering judgments passed on people found guilty of committing crimes.

Victim Personal Statements (VPS) give victims a voice in criminal proceedings, allowing them to express exactly how they were affected by a crime, and helping the offender to understand the harm they caused.

Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) guidance states that the prosecutor should ensure that the Court is aware of any VPS prior to sentencing. It should be read out in its entirety unless there is good reason for not doing so, and subject to any decision the court makes in respect of the VPS.

The CPS is chairing a multi-agency working group to address the recommendations of the Victims’ Commissioner’s thematic review of the use of Victim Personal Statements and ensure the victim’s voice is always heard when they wish to be heard.