THE Prime Minister has announced specialist courts to handle cases of rape and other sexual offences will be introduced across England and Wales over the next two years.

Each crown court will have at least one courtroom set up to hear such cases, while alleged victims will be able to view proceedings remotely and give evidence from a separate room via video link.

They will also be provided with private entrances and waiting rooms to separate them from defendants, though this will be dependent on the architecture of each building.

In West Mercia, the average wait time for an adult rape case is 482 days, when compared to 375 nationally.

There are currently 160 open cases for rape offences in West Mercia, compared to 17 back in 2019 before the Covid pandemic.

Cases open for more than a year, also stand at 71, that’s 66 more than in 2019.

Welcoming the introduction of specialist courts, Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “Victims of serious sexual offences have told me time and time again how the criminal justice system has failed to deliver the timely, trauma‑informed response they deserve.

“Long delays, processes that deepen their distress, and the heartbreaking decision some make to withdraw their case show why change is so urgently needed.

“The Government has now listened to those voices. Measures such as remote access to proceedings, private entrances and dedicated waiting rooms are welcome steps forward in creating a safer, more supportive experience for victims.

“In West Mercia, hardworking police officers are playing their role by arresting more offenders than ever before.

“If the Government is to deliver on its commitment to halve violence against women and girls, one key element is ensuring the courts have the resources and long‑term plan needed to give victims confidence that they will receive the swift justice they expect and deserve.”