A couple of questions

[David Swarbrick]

In message <Pine.SOL.4.21.0006261614470.2336-100000@finan.ncl.ac.uk>,
Quentin Campbell <Q.G.Campbell@newcastle.ac.uk> writes
> 
>> John Carr of NCH Action for Children has said, if I recall correctly, that 
>> there have been cases where the CPS had been unable to prosecute owing to 
>> encrypted evidence. Bit of an untestable theory, I assume, without standing 
>> in the line of libel fire:-)
>
>I do not know the truth of this either. But let us put the "problem" that
>John Carr has identified into perspective and look at a related area of
>serious concern where the CPS, NCH and others organisations should be made
>to answer some hard questions.
>
>If you talk to Social Workers, Police and others actively involved in
>child protection you will discover that there are certainly hundreds,
>probably thousands, of sexual abuse cases in the UK involving young people
>with learning difficulties on which the CPS has been unable/unwilling to
>prosecute.
>
>The alleged abuser(s) are known to the Police and to Social Services but
>the abuse often continues. Usually the victim is the only witness.
>
>The problem for the CPS is the difficulty of putting such vulnerable
>people into the witness box and having their evidence stand up under cross
>examination. 
>
>I believe that this is a national scandal 

It is a scandal that the abuse occurs, but there will always be offences
for which there is no evidence.

>I am thus bound to ask why these organisations are devoting their efforts,
>and charitable funds, pursuing their "internet agenda" rather than
>addressing the terrible situation that exists on their own door step.

It is easier to moan about the Internet, and it is far more sexy. He
will get onto the tele more, he will be asked for more quotes, and there
are far fewer people to contradict him.
>

>In order to forstall off-line enquiries as to the sources of my
>information on this I have to say that I cannot divulge them. 

It is in no sense a secret.


-- 
David Swarbrick, Solicitor. Computer and Internet Law and Contracts
david@swarb.freeuk.com T: +44(0)1484 722531 F: +44(0)1484 716617
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