Barrow Rape Claims Trial Faces Long Delay Due to Coronavirus Backlog

A 19-year-old woman from Barrow accused of making up allegations of sexual exploitation against five men may not stand trial until August 2021 because of legal delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic. During the woman’s appearance at Preston crown court on Friday, the judge explained that the lockdown was leading to huge backlogs in the judicial system. If a vaccine were found and physical distancing guidelines were relaxed, the court would try to find an earlier date for the 10-week trial, the judge, Mark Brown, honorary recorder of Preston, said.

The woman, from Walney Island in Barrow, appeared in court charged with seven counts of perverting the course of justice between October 2017 and October 2019. She did not indicate a plea but her barrister, Louise Blackwell QC, said she denied the allegations. About 40 people gathered outside to support her, chanting and wearing T-shirts and hoodies demanding “justice”. No bail application was made to release the woman from custody, where she has been held since breaking her bail conditions on 20 May.

Read more: Helen Pidd, Guardian, https://is.gd/EagfbD