The Bar Welcomes Gillen Report Publication

The Bar of Northern Ireland welcomes the publication of the final report from Sir John Gillen’s review of arrangements to deliver justice in serious sexual offence cases. This comprehensive publication makes over 250 recommendations across a broad area of justice issues, including important measures aimed at tackling delay within the system and the process for the disclosure of evidence. Sir John is to be commended for his engagement with a wide range of stakeholders throughout the course of this review which has helped to bring a diversity of experience and insight to this final report.

Previously the Bar provided a detailed submission to the public consultation on the preliminary report, informed by the very experienced counsel involved in both prosecuting and defending parties in these complex and sensitive criminal trials. Since its publication the Bar has already taken action on new specialist training opportunities for our members, delivering a conference last month in conjunction with judicial colleagues on advocacy in these cases with input from Victim Support Northern Ireland.

The Bar now intends to consider the final report in full and any actions required in relation to the recommendations relevant to the work of our members. We would also welcome discussions with officials from the Department of Justice’s newly established Sexual Violence Reduction Group as they work to oversee the implementation of the Review.