“When the CPS see the communication records it contains it becomes clear that there is no longer a realistic prospect of convictions and it drops the case.
This is another worrying aspect. Not just that the CPS response to much too late looking at the phone records, but they decide based on the assumed prejudice of juries (that somehow women are to blame for being raped), not to bother going to trial.
It isn't just about the delays, the phone records, but also that the CPS is prepared to say we believe you, the police believe you, but we know a jury wont convict, so not worth the time and money.
The part the CPS plays really needs to be better investigated. Not sure if they are any more trustworthy in other areas. Anyone on the thread about the prosecution against the CEO of Southall Black Sisters that got dropped at the last moment. And from someone close to me who was due to give evidence in court against someone who attacked them, after months of waiting, on the morning of the court case they were informed the case wouldn't go ahead. Doesn't make sense, and wouldn't save money as the court would be vacant - or maybe they double booked or something.
Not meaning to be flippant, but it all seems so chaotic, and for women who have experienced rape, this is like the final insult. They have been waiting months, even years, with the impact that has on them, to just have some out of nowhere communication that there will be no court hearing.
If part of it is to help the CPS appear to have good conviction levels, they should be made to keep records of how long they spend on preparing cases, and at which point they decide not to go ahead, and on what basis.
So many women who have been raped dont want to talk to the police about what happened to them, but then it seems the women who do take the decision to do that are just let down at each stage of the legal process.