Rape trials will now use pre-recorded evidence

The Daily Telegraph has reported that from now, “rape victims will be allowed to give evidence on video before a trial” and police should ideally return the phones of the victims within 24 hours to  “improve plummeting conviction rates, under a government review to be published next month.” The publication also reported that “under the proposals victims would be able to pre-record evidence including cross-examinations, which would then be played during a court case”. The plan is part of a review led by Robert Buckland, the justice secretary, and Priti Patel, the home secretary.