Photographic evidence to be used in bringing Lanarkshire domestic abusers to justice

Mar 18 2010 by John Rowbotham, Hamilton Advertiser

POLICE in Lanarkshire are putting domestic abuse in the frame by using photographic evidence to dispense swift justice to violent spouses.

Cops in South Lanarkshire have acquired 12 digital cameras to ensure photographs of the injuries suffered by victims of domestic abuse are seen in court.

Images of injuries and physical signs of a disturbance can be presented as evidence in court and police believe this may encourage many offenders, who might otherwise claim their innocence, to tender early guilty pleas.

Photos taken by police can also help corroborate the evidence of victims, who are often abused when alone.

Between March 1, 2009, and February 28 of this year, there were a total of 2644 reported domestic incidents in South Lanarkshire.

No fewer than 1059 of those incidents occurred in the Hamilton, Blantyre and Larkhall sub-division.

South Lanarkshire’s top cop, chief superintendent Tim Love, said domestic abuse was a high priority for his officers and that the introduction of photographic evidence will make a massive difference to bringing justice to those who inflict violence on their partners.

He said: “This new initiative will provide crucial evidence to help support victims and to ensure that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to justice.”

District procurator fiscal Jennifer Harrower threw her backing behind the latest weapon against domestic abuse.

“I welcome the introduction of these cameras, which will provide prosecutors with compelling evidence to support the testimony of victims,” she said.

“Sometimes it can be difficult for victims to give evidence and the use of photographs will help to convey to the court the full extent of injuries inflicted by their abuser and show the damage caused during a violent disturbance.”

The use of digital cameras throughout South Lanarkshire follows a successful pilot project in Glasgow’s southside and East Renfrewshire.

Police say the confidence of victims and their families in reporting domestic incidents to Strathclyde Police has increased as a result of the introduction of the cameras.