WHY is it the debate over gathering electronic evidence from victims of serious sexual assault is now being referred to as ‘the rape case disclosure scandal’?

There is nothing sinister, biased or in the least bit scandalous about gathering evidence to achieve the ends of justice.

In your article ‘Consent forms slammed’ (May 7), the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan pours scorn on the perfectly reasonable idea of asking victims to sign up to a search of their electronic devices to discover evidence of value to the case: something that is carried out routinely in relation to alleged suspects.

Maybe Mrs Mulligan lacks trust and confidence in the ability of North Yorkshire Police officers to deal with victims of sexual assault with the utmost sensitivity and impartiality? Or is it perhaps her #MeToo agenda that is clouding her objectivity?

Either way, she fails to recognise that victim consent forms are simply a means of streamlining disclosure obligations aimed at unlocking the truth and preventing the collapse of trials in court.

Allan Charlesworth,

Old Earswick, York