1/31/2008 7:03:00 AM
The Times 31 January
The removal yesterday of a six-year limit on seeking compensation for a sexual assault clears the way for many more victims to sue. Thousands of victims of sexual abuse including a woman whose life was ruined by the so-called Lotto rapist are preparing to lodge compensation claims after a landmark ruling by Britain’s highest court yesterday. Local authorities, churches, schools, charities and insurers are bracing themselves for claims that could total millions of pounds. The ruling by five law lords comes in six test cases, including that of Mrs A, a retired teacher attacked by Iorworth Hoare, who later won £7 million on the lottery while in prison. He served 16 years of a life sentence for her attempted rape. At least two more of Mr Hoare’s victims are considering legal action, DLA Piper, the firm that represented Mrs A, said. The women approached the firm in November. As The Times revealed yesterday, the law lords swept away the bar on bringing claims for sexual assault more than six years after an attack. Instead, courts should have discretion to allow claims to go ahead outside the time limit, they said. Times
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