Perhaps Not Everything, Maura

16 February 2013 Last updated at 23:03

Sex case defendants 'should get anonymity'

"Maura McGowan - When a defendant is convicted "everything [sic] should be open" says Maura McGowan

Suspects in sex cases should have their identities protected until they are convicted, a senior lawyer has said.

Maura McGowan QC, chairman of the Bar Council of England and Wales, said defendants should get the same right to anonymity as complainants.

She wants the change because sexual allegations carry "such a stigma".

But the charity Rape Crisis said anonymity for defendants would discourage people from reporting sex crimes and "victimise victims [sic] further".

Ms McGowan told the Stephen Nolan Show on BBC Radio 5 live: "Until they have been proven to have done something as awful as this, I think there is a strong argument in cases of this sort - because they carry such stigma with them - to maintain the defendant's anonymity."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21487266

Sex suspects 'should not be named'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/feb/17/sex-suspects-should-not-be-names-lawyer?CMP=twt_fd

Alleged rapists should be given anonymity, head of Bar Council says

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/9875761/Alleged-rapists-should-be-given-anonymity-head-of-Bar-Council-says.html

Anonymity: Why Sexual Offences?

http://mamaauk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/anonymity-why-sexual-offences.html