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Sexual abuse cases “re-balanced” after Surrey violinist inquest

Sexual abuse cases could be “re-balanced” to make it “a little fairer” for victims to give evidence.

Alison Saunders, Director of public prosecutions in England and Wales has said victims could be told more, like what the defence case will be.

This comes a week after an inquest into the death of Surrey violinist found she had died of an overdose after testifying against her former teacher.

Ms Saunders says there’s a real issue around how victims are being treated.

The coroner at the 48-year-old violinist’s inquest says the new rules are needed to ensure vulnerable witnesses are supported.

Cycling champions to race in Surrey

Former world race cycling champion Philippe Gilbert and multiple Tour de France stage winner David Millar will be competing on Surrey’s roads next month.

They are among the first names to be announced for the Prudential RideLondon – Surrey Classic.

Team Sky’s Ben Swift and Simon Yates, who made his Tour de France debut this year will also be taking part in the race on the 10th August.

Surrey residents are expected to turn out in force to see 150 of the world’s top men race over an extended, tougher route as part of the Mayor of London’s annual festival of cycling.

Crawley leads the way in British economy growth

Crawley has the 3rd highest weekly earnings in the UK and the 2nd lowest levels of inequality.

Following the news that the British economy is now above its pre-crisis peak, a report looking at 64 UK towns and cities has found Crawley to be leading the way.

The Independent Cities Outlook also found Crawley to have 4.2 private sector jobs for every local public sector position, standing as the best position out all of all towns and cities included.

Henry Smith, Crawley MP thinks there is still a long way to go and has met with people from Gatwick Airport about a growth deal for the Coast to Capital enterprise centred in Crawley.

He says this will be worth over £200 million over 6 years and will create over 14,000 news jobs and around 4,600 new homes.

Seven Crawley people arrested after fight

Seven people from Crawley have been arrested after police were called to break up a fight in the area last night.

More than 20 calls were made to police after around 50 youths clashed in Dorsten Square in Bewbush.

A police officer was attacked during the fight, suffering minor injuries, with reports that baseball bats and stones were being used as weapons.

Two people are also believed to have been struck by a car. The driver was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.

Crawley’s chief inspector has said she will not tolerate this sort of disorder and her officers are working to deal with those responsible and deal with anyone else involved.

Horley Arson Arrest

A man in his twenties arrested in connection with a recent spate of arson offences across the Borough of Reigate and Banstead, has been released on Police bail.

The man from Horley is the second person to have been released on bail as part of Operation Retinta whilst the investigation continues. The first is a man in his 40s.

Operation Retinta is investigating arson attacks on properties including Old Reigations Rugby Club, Churchfields Bowls Club and Horley Lawn Tennis Club.