Wales to join expanded CPS rape case review pilot
Rape and serious sexual offence victims in Wales will be given the chance to ask for an early review before prosecutors stop their cases, under an expanded Crown Prosecution Service pilot due to launch in April.
The Victims’ Right to Review scheme allows victims to request a second look at a provisional decision to end a prosecution, before the case formally concludes in court.
The pilot, which began in the West Midlands in June 2025, will expand first to CPS North West from January, then CPS Yorkshire and Humberside in February, and to CPS Cymru-Wales in April.
Under the current system, criminal cases can be stopped at any stage if prosecutors decide there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
If that decision is made after a case has progressed to court, the CPS must offer no evidence, leading to an acquittal.
Victims can already ask for a review of decisions not to charge under the existing Victims’ Right to Review scheme.
However, once a case has been stopped in court, a review cannot change the outcome and the only remedy is an apology.
The pilot changes this process for rape and serious sexual offence cases.
Victims in participating areas are informed when a provisional decision is made to stop their case and are given the opportunity to ask for a review by a different prosecutor before the case formally ends.
If the reviewing prosecutor decides the case can continue, the prosecution proceeds.
The CPS said the pilot has been running for six months in the West Midlands, where only four cases qualified.
In one case, a review was requested and the original decision was upheld.
Victims involved reported feeling more in control and said the early notification and opportunity for review improved their experience, even when outcomes did not change.
Siobhan Blake, National CPS Lead for Rape and Serious Sexual Offences, said: “For survivors of rape and sexual offences, the possibility that their abuser may never face justice can be deeply distressing.
“Victims deserve absolute confidence that every decision is made with care and expertise. Our specialist prosecutors usually get it right first time, but when we don’t — and a case that could have continued is stopped — an apology alone can never feel like justice.
“Victims who have taken part so far have told us that simply having this option makes a positive difference.
“I’m pleased we are now expanding the pilot so we can gather the evidence we need to understand the full impact and how best to support victims.”
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “Survivors of rape and serious sexual assault deserve to have their voices heard and have the best possible chance of achieving justice.
“Expanding this pilot to Wales means that in cases where a decision has been made not to proceed, victims here will be able to ask for a review that could change the outcome.
“This is an important step which will help build confidence in the justice system and bring more perpetrators to court.”
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