CHESHIRE’S Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer, has welcomed the Government’s new code for victims of crime.

The code, which came into force on December 10, sets out what support and services victims are legally entitled to from the police and courts, and is aimed at giving victims a greater voice.

Mr Dwyer said, “I am delighted that the Victims′ Code has come into force because it sets out victims′ entitlements and makes clear that criminal justice agencies are required to meet their obligations.”

Among other changes, the code will allow victims the opportunity to read a victim personal statement in court directly to offenders.

Up to now judges have been able to read these statements privately but victims were not able to read them aloud. For more information on the code, visit www.gov.uk