In brief
The ability of judges to grant witness anonymity has been restored after legislation was rushed through Parliament. The Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Act received Royal Assent on this week. In addition to providing witness anonymity it will also prevent judges from quashing convictions in cases where such evidence was used. Justice secretary Jack Straw said it was imperative to legislate immediately in order to stop people from escaping justice “who intimidate or threaten witnesses to prevent them testifying”.
