The Women?s Resource Centre (WRC) is expressing concern about a court system they say is ignoring the rights of victims by delaying court trials and holding up the judicial process.

Penny Dill, executive director of the WRC, said recommendations for the justice system have included speeding up cases and moving them through the courts more efficiently.

But, she said, this has yet to happen as indicated by a Supreme Court decision to delay the trial of a man accused of murdering a mother-of-three.

George (Messy) MacDonald Liburd, 32, of Pembroke, appeared in Supreme Court last month to say he had no legal representation. His trial is not expected to go to the courts until June 2005.

Liburd is accused of the murder of Chena Danette Trott in August, 2002. He denies killing Ms Trott, 32, at the Esso TigerMarket on Crawl Hill in Hamilton Parish.

Liburd has refused to work with a series of defence lawyers while others had been unavailable to assist him.

Mrs. Dill said the system continues to work in favour of the defendant and at the expense of the victim.

?It is well and good to ensure that everyone has their day in court and a right to a proper defence but are we forgetting those whose lives have been shattered because of crime and how important it is that their rights (be protected), and that their lives can return to normal as soon as possible,? said Mrs. Dill.

She said recent court cases have also indicated the need to ensure testimony is taped so children do not have to give their testimony several times in public court rooms. ?There is less of a focus on what we can do to protect our victims and more of a focus on the rights of the defendants,? she said.

Of the few cases of sexual assault that do go to court, Mrs. Dill said the victims often have to defend their actions and behaviours. In the case of children who are victims of abuse appearing in court, they are often accused of enticing adults or being promiscuous, she added.

?What has happened to the rights of the victim and the victim?s family?? Mrs. Dill asked. ?Who is their advocate? It seems that the voice of the victim is getting smaller and smaller and they are being victimised yet again.

?The WRC will continue to speak out, will continue to advocate. And, we encourage the community (to do the same) in this era of social change.?