The Crime and Justice report, launched by Commissioner Eddie Lynch at Queen’s University Belfast today, sets out 24 recommendations for agencies including the PSNI, the PPS, Department of Justice and the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service.

The report sets out the findings of the first piece of research in Northern Ireland to consult with older victims of crime as well as professionals working in policing and criminal justice.

Mr Lynch said: “Although older people are less likely to be victims of crime, crimes such as burglary, criminal damage, vehicle theft and violence without injury, continue to have a lower outcome rate for older people than other age groups.

“The purpose of this study was not only to better understand why this is the case, but also to understand older people’s experience of crime in order to determine where improvements could be made, enabling me to make informed recommendations to the relevant agencies.”

He added: “Being a victim of crime can be a traumatic experience for anyone, but there are particular factors that make older people more vulnerable to the effects of crime. Older people have an increased fear of crime, a higher rate of physical and mental impairment and disability, are more likely to live alone and often lack the strong support networks of younger age groups.

“It’s crucial that older people have confidence in the response of the statutory agencies, including the PSNI, the Public Prosecution Service and the courts. My recommendations aim to improve the experience of older people who have unfortunately been the victims of crime, so they feel fully supported and safe throughout the criminal justice process.”

Some of the recommendations in the Commissioner’s report include:

• Pre-recorded cross-examination: A renewed call for a pilot scheme which would make pre-recorded cross-examination possible.
• Statutory time limits: Reducing avoidable delays by implementing statutory time limits.
• Sentencing: Calling for further research to be conducted to explore the types and lengths of sentences imposed in cases of domestic burglary particularly those involving older people and vulnerable victims.
• Committal hearings: Introducing legislative reform which would seek to eliminate committal hearings.
• Outcome rate targets: The re-introduction of specific outcome rate targets in the Policing Plan for crimes against older people.

Dr Kevin J Brown, lecturer in criminal law and criminal justice at Queen’s University Belfast, who conducted the research on behalf of the Commissioner, said: “This research has shown that older victims of crime find it more difficult to access justice in Northern Ireland. Urgent reforms are needed to provide better support for older people when they journey through the justice system.”