106
Sarah Dineley, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor at the CPS, stated: “[i]t is vital that, wherever...
Conclusion
Sarah Dineley, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor at the CPS, stated: “[i]t is vital that, wherever possible, victims of trafficking are identified before any decisions are made on charge and prosecution; this is particularly important where the suspect is a child and reflects the findings of the ECtHR case of VCL and AN v The UK.” She also noted that the CPS has guidance on the application of the section 45 defence, “setting out steps that prosecutors must take when dealing with a case where the suspect or defendant might be a potential victim.”141
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 12 September 2025. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document.
Source
Committee
Human Rights (Joint Committee)
Report
4th Report - Legislative Scrutiny: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
20 Jun 2025
HC 789
Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Justice
Timeline
Recommendation age
1.2 yr
Report published
20 Jun 2025