Child witnesses need more support

A number of measures have been announced to make it less daunting for children to give evidence following a consultation on improving the process for young witnesses.

These include extending the use of special measures from under-17s to under-18s, allowing a "supporter" in the TV link room and allowing more choice as to how evidence is given.

The NSPCC has welcomed the proposed measures but claimed more could be done.

Barbara Esam, public policy lawyer at the NSPCC, said the government should have taken the opportunity to implement existing legislation by allowing pre-recorded cross-examination of child witnesses.

"The key is to get the evidence captured as early as possible so the process is over quickly for the child. There is a big implementation gap between government policy and what people are experiencing in court."

Justice Minister Maria Eagle said government is committed to improving things for child witnesses.

She said: "Over the past 10 years we have made significant improvements to the way they are treated - but this does not mean we could not do better.

"We have a responsibility to make sure that young and vulnerable witnesses receive the support they need to give the most accurate evidence."