The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) received 1,684 files involving a sexual offence during the 2019/20 financial year, a six per cent increase on the previous year.

Of the 1,801 suspects, 706 were charged or reported in respect of rape, an 11 per cent increase on the previous year, and 1,095 were in respect of other sexual offences, an increase of five per cent.

However, only 67 suspects were prosecuted in the Crown Court for an offence of rape in the 2019/20 financial year, and just 20 defendants were convicted of rape.

Rachel Woods, Green Party MLA for North Down and a member of the justice committee, told the Belfast Telegraph that the low conviction rate showed the criminal justice system was failing rape victims.

She added: “It’s clear that the Gillen review recommendations must be implemented as an urgent priority.”