Ford announces new Criminal Justice guides

4.22.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 26th May 2010

Justice Minister David Ford

Justice Minister David Ford has today published two new guides to improve services to victims and witnesses of crime.

A Guide to the Northern Ireland Criminal Justice System for Victims and Witnesses of Crime and A Guide to the Northern Ireland Criminal Justice System for bereaved families and friends following murder or manslaughter were unveiled by the Minister today during a visit to Londonderry.

Mr Ford said: "These guides will provide both victims and witnesses of crime with crucial information about how the criminal justice system works, what to expect at every stage in the process and how to access additional information and support services.

"In developing these guides we have listened to what victims and witnesses, and those who represent their interests, have said about what they need from the criminal justice system.

"Victims and witnesses play a vital role in the criminal justice process and quite simply without them justice would not be done. These guides demonstrate our commitment to support and assist them."