Shah 'has shown contempt for abuse victims'

Comments like these show complete contempt for the victims in such cases and will do little to encourage abuse victims to come forward and report crime.

These abhorrent comments will cause great harm and offence to the many brave victims of sexual assault and abuse who come forward to give evidence in very difficult, personal circumstances.

Decisions to arrest, to charge and to prosecute are important checks and balances in our justice system that ensure all allegations are tested against an evidence base, before being tried in the courtroom.