Victims of crime deserve better, according to Witham’s MP.

Priti Patel is concerned by “appalling” experiences her constituents have had when they have become victims of crime.

She said: “I am deeply concerned about the way victims are treated in the criminal justice system “Victims are not always informed of developments in a case, are left angry at soft sentences being dished out by the courts and sometimes feel completely unsupported while offenders receive gold-plated rights.

“Being a victim of crime is a terrible experience but the agony they feel can be worsened when they feel let down by the criminal justice system.

“This must change and I am pressing the Justice Secretary to start putting the rights of victims first.”

Ms Patel recently grilled the Justice Secretary on what he made of the findings of the Victims' Views of Court and Sentencing report by the Commissioner for Victims' and Witnesses in England and Wales.

She also asked what steps he would be taking in response to the findings.

Under Secretary of State for Prisons and Probation Crispin Blunt said the Government was giving “careful consideration” to the findings and was “determined to ensure that victims are supported in the best way possible”.

Proposals for a consultation will be published in due course.