AN INDEPENDENT watchdog for the victims of serious crime is to be the centrepiece of a radical shake-up in the justice system, The Northern Echo can reveal.

Ministers are considering new proposals that will put the rights of victims ahead of those of criminals.

The move would go hand-in-hand with the introduction of statutory rights for victims, which could include making representations to judges over the sentencing of offenders.

A Home Office consultation paper, expected at the end of this month, will set out plans for a new Victims' Charter, including the possibility of establishing the post of Victims' Ombudsman.

The proposal comes after The Northern Echo launched its Criminal Injustice campaign to support the victims of crime, backed by dozens of northern MPs, the families of homicide victims and national charities for victims.

The campaign's aims include establishing a ministry or agency to look after victims' needs and giving families more rights to air their views at court proceedings.

Home Office private secretary Stephen Harrison confirmed that the consultation paper would canvass views on the introduction of statutory rights for victims, backed up by a Victims' Ombudsman.

A Home Office spokeswoman declined to reveal details of the proposals until the document is published. This could happen in the next few weeks.

Home Secretary Jack Straw has already signalled his intention to give victims the chance to describe the effect of their ordeal to the courts.

Families of victims will be allowed to make powerful impact statements under the scheme, which is due to start early next year.

Last year, he also announced a £50,000 grant for relatives of people killed, to help pay for travel and accommodation costs while they attend trials.

Mr Straw believes the justice system is skewed in favour of offenders while their victims often get forgotten.

The new report, due out this month, will go even further with the creation of a victims' champion to fight for justice. Authorities will also have to abide by a victims' charter that will set out care and compensation arrangements.

Jim Edon, chairman of the Teesside branch of the Support After Murder and Manslaughter (SAMM) group, said the proposals could help reverse the neglect of families whose lives have been devastated by violent crime.

Mr Edon, whose son Carl was stabbed to death, said: "The perpetrators seem to have all the rights - we have no say in the justice system.

"This is a step in the right direction. It remains to be seen whether it is a small one or a large one but I would welcome it for that reason."

Norman Brennan, director of the Victims of Crime Trust, said the existing Victims' Charter had proved ineffective.

He said: "We don't just want someone put in place who is going to reflect what the Government allows them. We want them to tell the Government what concerns the victims of crime have."

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