Law is an ass

SURVIVORS of historic sexual abuse are currently subject to a cruel postcode lottery.

Those in England and Wales can seek justice in the civil courts while those in Scotland lose the right after just three years.

This time-bar is completely unacceptable and we welcome the government’s steps to address this with its recently published draft bill.

Child abusers often pressurise their victims to keep quiet, threatening them with harm if they ‘tell’ and the fear of not being believed. Reporting abuse is particularly difficult as victims are often embarrassed and ashamed.

From my experience as a solicitor representing abuse survivors for over a decade, this means the majority don’t feel able to come forward until many years or even decades after the abuse took place.

If passed, this bill would remove the time-bar and allow survivors abused on or after September 26, 1964, to take action against those responsible.

They should be given every support possible and, when this draft bill goes before parliament, I hope the country’s politicians will agree.

Hywel Thomas, personal injury lawyer, by email

READING about the muggings on pensioners in Govanhill, these have to stop.

We need to help make our community safe for them to out without this fear.

Please can everyone please report anything that's happened to you or anyone else.

Wwe have to keep reporting things to the police so these people that mug vulnerable people are caught.

They are just cowards and the lowest of the low.

Frances Stojilkovic, posted online

THE police fall down terribly on this sort of crime.

They need to attack basics.

It was done a long time ago in New York and the city was all the better for it.

However, having said that the courts do nothing if anyone is caught.

Community service which is usually imposted is a joke. I've seen this and it's just a waste of time.

Paul Strathdee, posted online

GANGS of these men are standing on all the corners around the streets mentioned untouched by the police, frightening women who have to pass them at all hours of the day.

Why don't Police Scotland move them on for loitering?

This has been going on for years now. The area isbecoming a no go zone for decent people.

Bart Baker, posted online