The launch of a new service to keep victims and witnesses of crime up to date with the progress of court cases has been welcomed by Derry Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney.
Speaking after the Victim and Witness Care Unit was launched by the Public Prosecution Service, the vice-chairperson of the Assembly’s Justice Committee said the new service would see victims and witnesses kept informed of the progress of court cases they were involved in.
Mr McCartney said: “Going to court can be a very difficult experience for victims and witnesses and anything that makes it easier is to be welcomed.
“The Justice Committee carried out an inquiry into the impact of the courts system on victims and witnesses in order to improve it and a pilot scheme has been in operation since November 2012.
“This new service will see victims and witnesses kept informed of the progress of court cases they are involved in.
“They will be assigned a case officer as a personal point of contact to answer any questions and keep them updated on any developments.
“Assistance and advice will also be given to witnesses who are called to give evidence in court cases.
“All of these things will make the process easier for victims and witnesses.”
Mr McCartney added: “We will continue to monitor the service as it is rolled out across the North.”