Annie's Civil Claim Against the CPS

Annie first disclosed the abuse at 18, but no action followed. In 2017 she reported the stepfather to police. The 2021 trial omitted a Polaroid of her injured mother, a solicitor’s letter describing assault, and police domestic-abuse reports.

The Guardian

• 2017 – Annie reports stepfather to police.

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• 2021 – Trial begins, several dates abandoned, key evidence excluded; jury returns mixed verdicts.

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• 2025 – CPS inspection finds bad-character evidence used in fewer than two of ten relevant cases.

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• 2026 – Civil claim filed on Annie’s behalf.

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The 2025 CPS inspection reported that “in fewer than two in 10 cases where it was relevant did the prosecutor address how bad character relating to the suspect could have strengthened the case,” highlighting a systemic evidential shortfall.

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Annie alleges the CPS omitted evidence that would have linked her claims to a pattern of domestic violence and intimidation. She recounts that her CPS-appointed barrister made a hostile comment, leaving her feeling humiliated and unsupported during the proceedings.

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CWJ solicitor Kate Ellis said the CPS “admitted to getting law wrong” and noted that domestic-violence evidence can show a defendant’s propensity for violence against women and girls. CPS spokesperson, citing litigation, declined comment but affirmed a commitment to learning.

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• “That’s what I was like when the abuse started… And that’s when my childhood stopped.” — Annie, survivor

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• “I’m sick of your face, to be honest.” — CPS-appointed barrister (as reported by Annie)

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• “Due to live civil litigation proceedings, we are unable to comment on the specifics of this case.” — CPS spokesperson

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• “The law recognises that evidence of domestic violence can be admitted as evidence that the defendant has a propensity to commit other forms of violence against women and girls.” — Kate Ellis, CWJ solicitor

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A ruling against the CPS could compel reforms to ensure bad-character evidence is routinely considered in sexual-offence cases, strengthening victims’ ability to present contextual abuse histories. It may also trigger review of training and oversight mechanisms within the prosecution service.

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Sources do not confirm whether the excluded evidence would have altered the jury’s verdicts, and the CPS has not disclosed the legal reasoning for omitting key witnesses, leaving a gap.

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The High Court will hear the civil claim later this year. CWJ seeks damages and a judicial declaration of CPS misconduct, while the service signals a review of evidential procedures.

The Guardian