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Last Updated: Sunday, 19 June, 2005, 14:50 GMT 15:50 UK
Vulnerable get more help in court
Legal team in court
Intermediaries can intervene if they think questioning is too complicated
Court witnesses who are considered vulnerable are to have help to give evidence in a scheme in Plymouth.

Under the scheme being trialled at the city's magistrates' court, witnesses will have someone in court to ensure they understand questions asked.

Intermediaries will help some children under 17, those with learning difficulties or mental disorders, and people with physical disabilities.

It is hoped it will help in convicting those who abuse vulnerable people.

The intermediaries, who will include speech and language therapists, cannot change the tone or nature of the question, but they can intervene if they think the questioning has become too complicated.

Those operating the scheme hope by helping people to communicate what has happened to them, they will be less of a target for criminals.


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