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A retired judge has remarked that the way child sex abuse cases are managed has undergone “monumental” changes, highlighting the recent trial of Jeffrey Donaldson as a key example. Sir John Gillen, who led an extensive review into the handling of sexual offence cases in Northern Ireland and issued 250 recommendations in 2019, spoke about the impact of the trial. On Monday, Donaldson, who formerly led the Democratic Unionist Party, was found guilty of 18 counts of sexual abuse, including rape, involving two women during their childhood.
Sir John Gillen emphasized that the trial has challenged a longstanding culture in Northern Ireland where women, girls, and children were not properly heard in such cases. Although he acknowledged that “there’s much to be done,” he stated that the verdict has sent a significant message to victims and women more broadly. Among Gillen’s key recommendations were the introduction of video-recorded interviews between police and complainants, which he highlighted as a radical shift. The use of remote evidence centers, he noted, represents progress toward respecting the privacy and dignity of victims.
Another important suggestion from Gillen’s review was the implementation of measures to address and counteract rape myths and stereotypes, which he described as historical barriers to justice. “Anyone who has witnessed these trials will see now the sea change that has happened in the way that rape myths are dealt with,” he said. Speaking on Good Morning Ulster, Gillen praised the court’s handling of the trial, acknowledging the need to balance the rights of the accused with protecting victims. He commented that judges ensure cross-examination does not continue unnecessarily, preserving fairness while respecting everyone involved.
The Bar Council released a statement affirming that crown court trials have “robust mechanisms” to ensure victims and witnesses are only asked appropriate questions. The statement also noted that both barristers and judges receive training related to rape myths. Regarding the Donaldson case, the council stated that these safeguards “operated effectively to ensure a fair trial took place,” underscoring the legal system’s commitment to justice in sensitive cases
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