Police chief demands review after rape complainant's death

We've learnt a great deal looking at the cases in Oxford and Rochdale and the way that vulnerable women endure giving evidence and Britain has introduced shorter time in the witness box and allowed evidence via videolink.

There is progress, but, campaigners are saying to me tonight, not enough.

Judges and prosecutors need to have special training in these cases and that does not yet extend to defence barristers.

All of this is being driven by a wider cultural change about the way witnesses are seen in cases like this.

Sir Peter Fahy has said that some people find the court process more traumatic than the original offence they claim to have suffered.

The Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable said:

"We may have to look at the whole system of justice and the way that we deal with victims who've been through such an awful process. Because clearly for some they are finding the court process almost more traumatic than the original offence that they were subject to."

Tony Lloyd, the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner, says more help should have been offered to Tracy Shelvey.

Ms Shelvey died after falling from a car park roof in Rochdale.

He said:

"You've got to believe that the trauma of going through the trial process twice, of all she went through, whatever the validity of the verdict of the court, was an enormous ordeal and we've got to help people like Tracy better than we did do."

A "root and branch review" of how victims and witnesses in trials are treated is "urgently needed" after the death of Tracy Shelvey, Greater Manchester's Police and Crime Commissioner has said.

The 41-year-old fell from the roof of a car park on Monday morning just a few days after a man was cleared of raping her.

Tony Lloyd said lessons had to be learned from the incident:

Greater Manchester Police said the matter had been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission and a full investigation will be launched to establish the circumstances surrounding Ms Shelvey's death.

Read: Family 'proud' of woman who died after rape trial

The family of a woman who died after falling from a car park roof in Rochdale have paid tribute to her saying they were "so proud" that she gave evidence in court.

Tracy Shelvey had "distressed" after a defendant in a rape trial in which she was the complainant was acquitted.

Tracy Shelvey fell to her death from the roof of a car park after a defendant in a rape trial in which she was the complainant was acquitted.

“Tracy was a kind and caring person and comes from a loving family who she kept in regular contact with," the family statement read.

“She had a warm heart and was a loyal friend and will be deeply missed by all.

“We are so proud of Tracy for standing up in court on the two trials.

“She was a strong person with a lot of pride. We also want to thank Tracy’s friends for their support at this time.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson has offered the department's sympathies to the family of a woman who fell to her death from a car park roof just days after a man accused of raping her was acquitted following a trial.

She added: "We know that going to court can be intimidating and sometimes distressing and want to ensure the entire system is doing everything it can to support people through this process, and ensure justice is done."

She went on: "There are already numerous special measures available to help vulnerable witnesses give evidence - such as using screens or video link - but we know sometimes more could be done.

"That is why we are trialling an important new way of sparing vulnerable witnesses the trauma of appearing in court through pre-trial cross examination."We have also overhauled the Victims' Code so people know what to expect and who to demand help from every step of the way."

A woman who died following a fall from the roof of a car park in Rochdale earlier today, had been the complainant in a rape case, it has emerged.

The man accused of raping her was acquitted following a trial last Friday.

An investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.

Greater Manchester Police said the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Read: Woman falls to her death after defendant cleared in trial

A woman who has died after falling off the roof of a shopping centre car park had been "distressed" after a defendant in a court case in which she was the complainant was acquitted.

Greater Manchester Police said two specially-trained officers had been in regular contact with the woman and made a personal visit to her home to inform her of the verdict last Friday.

A statement said she had been "angry and upset" at the news and was offered support. Later that evening, she rang police in a "distressed state" and officers and ambulance staff attended her home.

A subsequent referral to partner agencies to help support the woman was made.

The matter has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission and a full investigation will be launched to establish the circumstances surrounding her death, police said.

Read: Woman falls to her death after defendant cleared in trial

A woman has fallen to her death from a Rochdale shopping centre car park roof just days after a defendant had been acquitted in a trial in which she had been the complainant.

Police were called today to the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre after reports of a woman on the roof at 10.10am, but despite attempts to help her, she was later seen to fall.

She was taken to hospital but died as a result of her injuries.

The trial had concluded on Friday.

Greater Manchester Police has launched an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.

The matter has also been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.