Cases involving victims of crime and witnesses with learning disabilities have been successfully prosecuted thanks to a service described as 'invaluable'.

The People First Forum’s Witness Profiling Service provides support to people with learning disabilities who need to attend court.

Paul Thomas, who runs the service, spends time with victims and witnesses ahead of hearings and writes detailed reports describing their medical and communication needs and how often they need breaks.

This is given to the judge, prosecution and defence, along with an agreed set of rules to make sure people with learning disabilities – who may also have other needs such as Asperger’s or ADHD – are able to give their best evidence.

Mr Thomas, who works closely with Witness Services and Witness Care, also prepares the victims and witnesses for hearings by arranging visits to court buildings, provides simple explanations of potentially confusing legal terms, and explains how the court process works.

He said: “They’re often very nervous about attending court so the most important thing is to spend time with them to build up a trusting relationship and build their confidence.”

The number of referrals Mr Thomas works with has increased from eight in 2009 to 52 last year, and he has seen people who have been victims of assault, domestic violence, sexual abuse and hate crime – with the majority of cases ending in defendants being found or pleading guilty.

Dorset’s Chief Crown Prosecutor Joanne Jakymec said: “Witness Profiling has been invaluable in supporting vulnerable victims and witnesses of crime and has undoubtedly contributed to the successful prosecution of cases that without Witness Profiling may not have come to court.”

The role is part funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Dorset.

PCC Martyn Underhill said: “Supporting vulnerable victims and witnesses is a major priority of mine, and Paul’s work is making a huge difference to those people he supports.”