Scheme to see justice is done

4:35pm Saturday 17th May 2008

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VULNERABLE people in Cheshire will have a stronger voice to give evidence in criminal cases under a new scheme launched this month by Cheshire Criminal Justice board.

Specialists, called witness intermediaries, will assist children and people with mental or physical disabilities and disorders to give statements to police and evidence in court.

The intermediaries help witnesses to understand questions asked by the police or by a court. They have specialist skills to aid communication without influencing the content of evidence.

Peter Fahy, chairman of Cheshire Criminal Justice Board, said: "This scheme ensures vulnerable people have the same access to justice as everyone else.

"The more we empower vulnerable people to give good evidence, the more we can protect them from being targeted by criminals."