Lib Dems Call for Anonymity until Charge in Sexual Offences Bill

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 13th Oct 2003

Liberal Democrats will tomorrow challenge the government to give defendants in sex offence cases anonymity until the point of charge.

Commenting ahead of the Liberal Democrats amendment to the Sexual Offences Bill, Annette Brooke MP said:

"The Government's decision to rely on a voluntary agreement from the media not to name names in sexual offences cases is unacceptable. We need the rules to be spelt out clearly in legislation to avoid confusion.

"The Liberal Democrat amendment would prevent trial by media before they have been formally charged with a crime by the police.

"The lives and careers of some people have been wrecked when allegations made against them are later found to be wrong.

"Because of their nature, sexual offence cases generate particular media attention but legislation can ensure that suspects do receive a hearing fairly and without prejudice."