Violent crime victims could see compensation cut

A change in the law could see the injury compensation handed out to victims in court cut if they have been convicted of minor offences such as speeding.

Payments made to victims of rape and assault could see their compensation drastically reduced as part of a £25 million programme of public spending cuts.

People already face deductions from their overall compensation payout if they have been previously convicted of serious crimes.

However, an amendment made by justice secretary Jack Straw last November changed the rules to include any unspent convictions, which could include driving offences.

"The idea that a rape victim or the parents of a murdered child should have compensation docked for a speeding conviction years earlier is a revolting proposition," commented shadow justice secretary Dominic Grieve.

The news follows further frustration for those seeking compensation for pleural plaques, after the government failed to announce a decision on the law.

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