Former DPP adviser calls for sex abuse suspects to be given anonymity until charged

A former British prosecutor has called for a new law giving sex abuse suspects anonymity until they are charged.

Alison Levitt QC, former principal legal adviser to the Director of Public Prosecutions, said such a law would protect the reputation of people such as Lord Brittanwho was identified as a suspect in an historical rape allegation but who died before police said they would not bring charges.

Ms Levitt is now a partner at Mishcon de Reya, the firm representing Mr Brittan’s widow.

Speaking to The Guardian, she said: “It should be a criminal offence to name someone before charge.

“I feel strongly there should be a presumption of not naming before charge, with an exception in certain cases.”

She added there could be a public interest exception in naming certain individuals – with the decision whether to do so being made by a judge.

The Metropolitan Police commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, said legislators should “consider the issue of pre-charge publicity for suspects and whether additional legal safeguards are required”.

While police will not name someone under investigation news organisations can do so subject to libel laws and contempt of court orders.

Ms Levitt’s calls were supported by Lord Carlile, her husband and a former government-appointed terrorism reviewer, judge, and currently a Liberal Democrat peer.

He said: “I know there is a great deal of support for that proposition in all parties and in both houses of parliament.

“It is not illiberal at all, it protects the right of the citizen. This would apply to of sexual offences, it’s an allegation that is particularly damaging. People say there is no smoke without fire, often there is no fire at all.”

Others would like a blanket ban on naming suspects brought in. Conservative backbencher Anna Soubry MP introduced a private member’s bill which would amend the law so that naming any arrested person until they are charged is banned.