Poll: Should people accused of sex offences be given anonymity until conviction?
Pressure has mounting on the Crown Prosecution Service over its decision to prosecute a senior Conservative MP who was cleared of a string of sex offences.
Nigel Evans, the former Commons Deputy Speaker, wept in the dock after a jury at Preston Crown Court unanimously cleared him of nine sexual allegations, including one of rape. The 56-year-old MP said during his trial that he had been the victim of a 'Machiavellian' plot against him. Following the verdict on Thursday, he said he had gone through '11 months of hell' and that 'nothing will ever be the same again'.
It has also raised questions over whether those accused of sex crimes should be given anonymity until they are convicted.
What do you think? Should people accused of sex offences be given anonymity until conviction? Vote now in our poll:
