SUFFOLK and Essex police forces were named and shamed by the Lib Dems during a debate on rape convictions.
By Graham Dines
SUFFOLK and Essex police forces were named and shamed by the Lib Dems during a debate on rape convictions.
The second worst conviction rate in England and Wales is in Suffolk at 1.6% of all rapes reported and Essex is ninth at 3.55%.
Conference supported a package of measures including the introduction of specially trained prosecutors, an increase in sexual assault referral centres, and opposing the Sentencing Guideline Council's proposals to allow rapists who show remorse to avoid jail.
Nick Clegg, the party's home affairs spokesman, said: "For all its tough talk on crime, the Government's record on rape convictions has been shameful.
"At the same time as the number of reported rapes is increasing, conviction levels are actually going down.
"Liberal Democrat will mean the victims of rape can be much more confident that their attackers will be caught and brought to justice."
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