Lawyers should have ongoing child witness training

The call comes on the back of concerns raised after a four-year-old girl, raped by one of the men convicted over the death of Baby P, gave evidence in court last week.

The NSPCC has called for intermediaries to be used to put questions to children in terms they understand while the Children's Legal Centre is seeking a change in guidelines.

Barbara Hopkin, of the Association of Lawyers for Children, told CYP Now there is not necessarily anything wrong with the current system although everyone involved needs to be aware of their responsibility to the child.

"For the child and for the general public at large, the fact this man has been convicted is a great service.

"On the other hand she has been through the terrifying experience of having to relive the experience and being questioned about it.

"It can't have been easy for her but the defence has to be able to test the evidence to ensure a fair trial - it is a balancing act.

"The training that judges and advocates have had about how to cross-examine children needs to be updated and refreshed every so often so people can be clear they are not to question children in a way that's harmful to them."