Rape suspects' plea plot to avoid justice

Delaying tactic means more victims pull out, says CPS head

- Helen Barnett

SUSPECTED rapists are exploiting delays in the courts to evade justice, the director of public prosecutions has warned.

Stephen Parkinson claims alleged attackers are deliberately pleading not guilty in the hope dragging out cases will cause victims to drop them.

It typically takes two years to investigate a rape - and another two years to bring it to trial.