Fewer than 40 people convicted of rape in West Midlands last year – as thousands of offences recorded

Fewer than 40 people were convicted of rape in West Midlands last year as thousands of new offences were recorded by police, new figures show, suggesting victims are rarely seeing justice done.

The Government announced a new pilot court scheme last week in a bid to increase low prosecution and conviction rates across England and Wales.

The initiative means prosecutors, police officers and other staff at pilot courts in Newcastle, Leeds and Snaresbrook in London will receive specialist trauma training, with any conclusions learned rolled out across the country to increase the volume and speed of rape cases going through the system.

Rape Crisis said the courts are a step in the right direction to arrest "appalling prosecution rates" but that more information is needed on how they will work.

Ministry of Justice figures show 93 rape cases were heard in court in 2021 following investigations by West Midlands Police, with 31 resulting in convictions – up from 30 in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic.

But 4,914 alleged rapes were recorded by the force last year, separate Home Office data outlines, meaning only a fraction are likely to lead to a conviction.

Across England and Wales, there were 895 rape convictions – compared to 67,125 new cases.

Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said the pilot courts, which are due to be operational in October, "will focus on improving support for victims, tackling the backlog and reducing delays".

"We’re also rolling out pre-recorded evidence faster, recruiting 1,000 sexual violence advisors, developing a 24/7 helpline and improving collaboration between police and prosecutors to ensure victims get the justice they deserve," added Mr Raab.

But Jayne Butler, chief executive of Rape Crisis, said enough is not known about how the specialist courts will work and insisted a "proper consultation with specialist sexual violence support services" is needed.

Ms Butler also highlighted how low prosecution rates have "effectively decriminalised" rape and discouraged victims from coming forward and reporting crimes.

In West Midlands, just 1.1% of the 3,662 rape investigations concluded by police last year led to a charge or summons.

Some 9% of cases were dropped due to evidential difficulties, despite the support of the victim and the suspect being identified, while a further 74% were dropped because the victim did not support further action.

No suspect was identified in 16% of cases.

Across England and Wales, just 2% of 42,203 concluded investigations led to a prosecution.

Ms Butler said: "The vast majority of victims and survivors seeking criminal justice are being hugely let down by the system."