VICTIMS of crime have been given a legal right to be told about progress in their cases thanks to a new code adopted by police and prosecutors in Darlington and County Durham.

Under the code, victims will be told if a culprit has been arrested or charged and if a charge is changed or dropped.

They should also be told the dates of court hearings and if they need to attend.

When a case has concluded they will be informed of the outcome and, if the offender has been found guilty, given information about the sentence and any appeals.

The code sets out a minimum service victims can expect, including receiving the information within a specified time.

Bereaved relatives will be assigned a dedicated family liaison police officer and all victims will be offered help through Victim Support or other agencies.

Jon Stoddart, Durham's Chief Constable and chairman of County Durham and Darlington Criminal Justice Board, welcomed the move.

He said: "Providing a first class service for victims and witnesses has been one of the priorities for criminal justice agencies in County Durham and Darlington for a while.

"The board recognises that improvements can be made and supports the introduction of the new victims code.

"It gives victims legal rights which the police, courts, Crown Prosecution Service and Youth Offending Services must adhere to."

Charles Chatterton, from Victim Support, said: "Without a shadow of a doubt this will be a great help to victims.

"One of the main areas of concern for most victims has been the lack of information about what was happening in their cases.

"The more information they get about the progress of the police investigation, the better.

"Victims of violent crime, in particular, need information about the perpetrator. If someone has been seriously injured they shouldn't have to worry about repercussions and intimidation.

"They will be reassured if they know for certain that the culprit has been charged and what their bail conditions are."