A ‘hidden’ crime is being targeted in Greater Manchester. Lawyers and police believe hundreds of cases of disability hate crime go unreported every year – from abusive name calling to theft or assault. Three years ago, just five people were successfully prosecuted in the region but last year the figure rose to 34. And this week an open day will be held at Bury police station and the town’s magistrates’ court to give victims the confidence to report crimes. Earlier this week, the M.E.N revealed how a bus driver was caught on camera refusing to help a woman in a wheelchair get off his single-decker. Award-winning disability rights campaigner Renu Duggal criticised the driver for ignoring her pleas to put a ramp out so she could alight. Her son, Arjun, filmed the incident on his mobile phone. Alison Mutch, chief crown prosecutor for Bury, Bolton, and Wigan, and lead lawyer on disability hate crime, said: “A conference was held in Manchester to which 80 people from disability groups were invited to discuss how the criminal justice system works in relation to this type of crime.” She said that as part of an action plan the open day is being put on – and around 45 people, with physical and learning disabilities, have signed up to attend. The day will focus on how the police and the justice system deal with hate crime cases and it will demonstrate how disabled victims can give evidence through video links and even take a break in the hearing if medication is needed. The prosecutor added: “The police station has full disabled access, but buttons and ramps don’t mean a thing if the attitude of staff dealing with complaints doesn’t give victims confidence.
Support
“We have had great support from the police but there is a lot of fear about reporting disability hate crime – people fear they will not be taken seriously. “We want to assure people that they will.” In 2007, Greater Manchester’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dealt with five defendants involved in disability hate crimes and all were successfully prosecuted. In 2008, 24 were prosecuted, 19 convicted, and last year there were 42 defendants dealt with, 34 of whom were convicted. So far this year 24 out 27 defendants have been convicted. Stacey Davis, community engagement manager for the CPS (north west), said: “We have spoken to disabled people who have suffered hate crimes. One lady was living at home being looked after by a carer and her food was being spat on. “She was warned that if she complained she would be taken into care.” In another case, a disabled man’s coat was set on fire and an able bodied girl was bullied at school because her parents are disabled. She added: “If a crime is not reported a situation can escalate. Sometimes a disabled person will not want a prosecution – a visit from a police officer and a caution – something to get the behaviour stopped will be enough.”
Manchester evening news
