Former Chief Prosecutor thinks rape has "effectively been decriminalised"

17 December 2019, 18:39 | Updated: 17 December 2019, 18:42

The former Chief Prosecutor for the North West has spoken out against cuts in the criminal justice system after a report found a 25% reduction in rape charges, prosecutions and convictions since 2018.

Speaking to LBC's Eddie Mair, Nazir Afzal agreed with guest Sarah Green of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, who suggested that rape has, in effect, become decriminalised because of record low convictions.

"I'm not gonna disagree with Sarah," said Mr Afzal.

"I think there has been a perfect storm in the reduction in staffing which has had an impact and there is a cultural issue as well, I have no doubt."

A report has found convictions of rape fell significantly
A report has found convictions of rape fell significantly. Picture: PA Images

A Crown Prosecution Service inspectorate report this week suggests the decline in convictions in England and Wales is partly due to a lack of resources.

Eddie suggested to Ms Green that "people who want to commit rape are probably going to get away with it".

She replied: "That's why women's groups are engaged. We're not massive fans of the criminal justice system and the harm that it can do to some victims, putting them through the stages involved.

"But if you get to a point like this, you have effective impunity."

More Eddie Mair

Eddie Mair's heated row with Sir Iain Duncan-Smith on cost of living measures

Eddie Mair's heated row with Sir Iain Duncan Smith on cost of living measures

Where to seek help if you're impacted by the cost of living crisis

Where to seek help if you're impacted by the cost of living crisis

Eddie Mair scrutinises Tory MP who backs Liz Truss over her stance 'on woke'

Eddie Mair scrutinises Tory MP who backs Liz Truss over her stance 'on woke'

Furious caller clashes with climate scientists over 'pointless' net-zero targets

Furious caller clashes with climate scientists over 'pointless' net zero targets

Eddie Mair lists Ministers with the power to oust Boris Johnson

Eddie Mair lists Ministers with the power to oust Boris Johnson

'Horrific': LBC listeners reveal chilling experiences of stalking

'Horrific': LBC listeners reveal chilling experiences of stalking

'Scotland is inept': Scottish caller furious over idea of IndyRef 2

'Scotland is inept': Scottish caller outraged at idea of IndyRef 2

Texas Republican: Ensuring doors work properly will stop school shootings

Texas Republican: Ensuring doors work properly will stop school shootings

'You don't need a crystal ball!': Furious Eddie Mair corners Tory MP on cost of living crisis

'You don't need a crystal ball!': Furious Eddie Mair corners Tory MP on cost of living crisis

Exclusive
Kremlin chaos: Putin 'constantly surrounded by doctors' as illness throws regime in disarray

Putin 'constantly surrounded by doctors' as illness throws Kremlin into chaos

Tory MP: 'Oil companies have a cartel monopoly' over consumers

Tory MP: 'Oil companies have a cartel monopoly' over consumers

Jack Monroe slams Tory MP's 'abhorrent' food bank comments

Jack Monroe slams Tory MP's 'abhorrent' food bank comments

Tory MP accuses peer of 'hyperbole' over anti-protest bill concerns

Tory MP accuses peer of 'hyperbole' over anti-protest bill concerns

'Prime Minister in waiting!' Starmer saluted after Covid fine resignation pledge

'Prime Minister in waiting!' Starmer saluted after Covid fine resignation pledge

From Covid infection to being fined: Eddie Mair's painstaking timeline on partygate and Boris

From Covid infection to the fine: Eddie Mair's painstaking timeline on partygate and Boris

Partygate fines: Eddie Mair grills Tory MP Sir Roger Gale over PM future

Partygate fines: Eddie Mair grills Tory MP over PM's future