Story perspectives

Annie Sues CPS Over Excluded Abuse Trial Evidence

7/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Annie filed a civil claim against the Crown Prosecution Service for mishandling her stepfather’s sexual-abuse trial.
She says prosecutors excluded bad-character evidence, a photo of her mother’s injuries and a solicitor’s letter, and that the CPS admitted the error, prompting a human-rights claim.
A 2025 inspection warned prosecutors use bad-character evidence infrequently, noting Annie recalled living with a loaded shotgun and a barrister saying he was ‘sick of your face’.

1 of 1

Story summary

Annie filed a civil claim against the Crown Prosecution Service for mishandling her stepfather’s sexual-abuse trial.
She says prosecutors excluded bad-character evidence, a photo of her mother’s injuries and a solicitor’s letter, and that the CPS admitted the error, prompting a human-rights claim.
A 2025 inspection warned prosecutors use bad-character evidence infrequently, noting Annie recalled living with a loaded shotgun and a barrister saying he was ‘sick of your face’.