Sex abuse payouts docked after victims commit crimes

Hundreds of sex abuse victims have had their compensation payments reduced after committing crime themselves, according to new figures.

A total of 12,665 people who suffered abuse as children or vulnerable adults had been awarded compensation by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), an executive agency sponsored by the Ministry of Justice, since 2010.

But data obtained under Freedom of Information laws showed 438 had their government-funded payouts docked over the same period.

The broadcaster said that in the year to June 2015, half of the 27 people who had payments reduced had convictions for drink, drug, theft or property offences, while eight were prosecuted for violence.