A woman who claims she was abused by her stepfather has launched a landmark lawsuit against the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), alleging that their handling of the case breached her human rights. Annie*, whose case drew to a close in 2021 with not guilty verdicts and a hung jury, believes the CPS's failure to introduce key evidence denied her a fair trial.
Despite reporting her stepfather to police in 2017, citing concerns over his babysitting of other young family members, Annie faced repeated delays and cancelled court dates before finally going on trial. It was not until she was an adult that she initially disclosed allegations of abuse to the authorities.
The crux of Annie's complaint against the CPS lies in their decision not to apply for 'bad character' evidence – critical background information that would have shed light on her stepfather's alleged domestic abuse, cruelty and neglect. This meant that references to these incidents in her police interview were removed from her testimony, as well as a photograph she provided showing her mother's injuries after an assault by her stepfather. Furthermore, a solicitor's letter detailing another violent assault and police reports of domestic abuse allegations were also not introduced in court.
Annie claims that the omission of this crucial context has left her feeling let down and frustrated. 'Living with my stepfather was like walking on eggshells,' she recounts, describing an atmosphere of constant fear and intimidation. The alleged presence of a loaded shotgun kept behind a larder door only exacerbated the situation, making it impossible for her to lead a normal life.
The significance of 'bad character' evidence in strengthening prosecution cases has been highlighted by a 2025 inspection report on adult rape cases. In fewer than two out of ten relevant cases, prosecutors failed to adequately consider how such evidence could enhance their case. Annie stresses that childhood sexual abuse often occurs within a complex web of violence, intimidation and domestic abuse – making the inclusion of background information crucial for understanding a victim's full experience.