Failed rape cases I have read recently, a number of letters in the Advertiser concerning failed rape cases. As a former Magistrate, I spent a couple of years studying criminal law at Bristol University, not for a degree, but to give me more background knowledge, thus, helping me understand how the criminal law actually worked. The first thing they taught was, everyone is innocent until proven guilty and this is a main problem when bringing a rape case to court. Since I moved to Swindon some 16yrs ago I can recall two headline stories in the SA regarding women who claimed to have been raped. Subsequently, both turned out to be made up claims. Women, who make up claims of being raped, do not help victims who have been genuinely raped. In fact they do more harm than good. For true victims, they must appear in court and convince a jury that they have been the victim of rape.
My friend John Stooke asks whether, being fully vaccinated, he is protected or not (SA, May 7). I m afraid the answer can never be that simple. Vaccination protects over 90 per cent of people, but 100 per cent efficacy can never be achieved. So, yes, he has a 90 plus per cent chance of being protected, but if he is one of the remaining 8-9 per cent, he may still catch Covid – but he will certainly be less ill and far less likely to die. More importantly, does the vaccine stop transmission? The answer is not yet clear, but the evidence so far indicates that it stops it by at least 50 per cent – so there s a 50-50 chance that he may transmit it. And remember, vaccinated or not 30 per cent of people with Covid have no symptoms at all, so don t know they ve got it.
By Molly Taylor
YOUNG blood has been added to the Mount Gambier Lions Club as a new member joins the team with plans to encourage others to serve their community.
When Jacinta Greaves, 32, made the move to the Blue Lake city from Adelaide, she had plans to continue volunteering and involving herself in community activities.
After recommendation from friends and family, Ms Greaves approached the Mount Gambier Lions Club and has become one of two newly-inducted members.
A mother of five who enjoys exploring nature, Ms Greaves relocated to the Limestone Coast to be with her partner.
“I have some friends who are part of a Lions Club back home in Adelaide and I had always wanted to join but just did not have the time to do so,” she said.