CROWN OFFICE AND PROCURATOR FISCAL SERVICE
6 March 2009
PRESS RELEASE
Lord Advocate announces launch of
National Sexual Crimes Unit
A new team of Scotland's most senior prosecutors is to specialise in the investigation and prosecution of serious sexual crimes across Scotland, the Lord Advocate, the Right Honourable Elish Angiolini QC, announced today.
A dedicated team of specialist Crown Counsel will direct these criminal investigations from the earliest stages, providing advice and expertise to Procurators Fiscal. The National Sexual Crimes Unit will also include a dedicated team of specialist Procurators Fiscal.
Mrs Angiolini confirmed that the team of specialist Crown Counsel will be headed by Derek Ogg, QC, who has led the prosecution of some of Scotland's most serious offences.
Derek Ogg said today:
"Sexual crimes are undoubtedly among Scotland's most disturbing and harrowing crimes. For prosecutors, sexual offences are often the most challenging and sensitive cases to bring before a court. However, I am determined that we will continue to do our utmost to bring compelling prosecutions and treat victims with dignity and respect.
"For victims, even the prospect of a criminal investigation and giving evidence in court can be a deterrent to reporting these crimes in the first place. We want them to have confidence that their cases will be handled by specialists equipped to ensure that the prosecution of these crimes is as professional and effective as possible. I look forward to leading the team and building on our existing expertise."
The Lord Advocate said:
"This dedicated Unit builds on the improvements which we have delivered following the review of Sexual Offences. I am delighted that the National Unit will benefit from Derek Ogg's expertise in this area. Mr Ogg is one of Scotland's most able prosecutors and has the skill and experience required to ensure that sexual crimes in Scotland are professionally prepared, and that we bring compelling prosecutions before the Court."
The new National Sexual Crimes Unit was established on the recommendation of Dorothy Bain QC, who has significant expertise in the prosecution of sexual offences. Ms Bain has recently worked with the COPFS Lothian and Borders Area sexual offences team to provide advice at the earliest stage in investigations and as part of her review visited other jurisdictions to identify best practice.
The Lord Advocate said:
"Ms Bain has already created a solid foundation for our new National Sexual Crimes Unit, responsible for the investigation and prosecution of serious sexual crime. I am confident that involving specialist Crown Counsel at an early stage, as well as conducting prosecutions will enhance our approach to some of the most challenging cases that we face as prosecutors."
The new unit will complement work to implement the recommendations of the Lord Advocate's Review of Sexual Offences, published in 2006.
Sandy Brindley of Rape Crisis Scotland said:
"Rape Crisis Scotland is supportive of the creation of a National Sexual Crimes Unit. Rape is a crime which can have a harrowing and long term effect on its victims, and it is one which people can often be reluctant to report to the police. We welcome recent developments within the Crown Office in relation to how these crimes are prosecuted, and are hopeful that this will lead to an improved response to these crimes."
Notes to Editors
1. The National Sexual Crimes Unit will be based at the Crown Office in Edinburgh.
2. The Lord Advocate's Review of Sexual Offences, published in 2006, made 50 recommendations, including the introduction of specialist training on the investigation and prosecution of rape and other sexual offences. All 50 will be implemented by the Summer of 2009. Members of the National Sexual Crimes Unit, both Crown Counsel and Procurators Fiscal, will be given further intensive specialist training.
3. The launch of the Sexual Crimes Unit follows recently announced changes to the Crown Counsel team. Following the appointment of Dorothy Bain QC as Principal Advocate Depute from May 2009, Derek Ogg QC will become one of two Assistant Principal Advocate Deputes and will assume Dorothy Bain's lead role on sexual offences.
4. Derek Ogg studied at the University of Edinburgh. He was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1989, having previously been a solicitor in private practice for a number of years. He took silk in 1999 and was a highly experienced Criminal Defence Advocate. He has a Diploma in Master Advocacy and a Certificate in Teaching Advocacy Skills. He has prosecuted a number of significant cases, including David Lilburn for the murder of his wife, Ann. It has recently been announced that Derek will take up the post of Assistant Principal Advocate Depute in June.
5. The type of cases which the new National Unit will undertake will include rape, sexual abuse, child pornography, sexually motivated murder and people trafficking for sexual exploitation.
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