Calls For Modernisation Of Drink Spiking Laws

Tuesday, 19 December 2023 12:03

A night-time economy safety charity has been asking islanders if non-consensual drugging should become a standalone crime.

SafetyNet founder Poppy Murray says there is currently a 0% conviction rate for drinking spiking in Guernsey.

She says that's because victims currently have to prove that the perpetrator had the intention of committing a sexual offence 'which is close to impossible':

"It is incredibly hard to get a conviction for drink spiking in Guernsey, that is proven by our conviction rate. The UK's rate it's 0.8% - which is still incredibly low and difficult but they are slightly ahead of us.

The lack of convictions might be a contributing factor in a barrier to people making reports."

97% of 146 people who responded to a poll run by SafetyNet wanted the Bailiwick to follow the UK’s lead in modernising laws relating to spiking.

The remaining 3% said they would need more information to make a decision.

Poppy says she provided more information to the undecided voters and three agreed with the change, bringing the total to 99% for modernisation.

She added that funding from Guernsey Police had allowed the group to complete the biggest order of drink covers.

There are 4,500 coming to the island - the first 500 will be handed out for free during late-night shopping on Thursday (21 December) evening.

The supplier DrinkSeals says the covers are designed to reassure people:

"It is never a victim's fault if their drink is spiked, and the responsibility should not be on victims to change their behaviour, but we cannot ignore that there is a risk from perpetrator behaviour.

The DrinkSeals are a fantastic product to help minimise the risk of spiking.

DrinkSeals are eco-friendly, portable, hygienic, washable and can be used for up to 5 years."