An Interview with Barrister Justin Levinson

Alan and barrister Justin Levinson of 1 Crown Office Row discuss the recent conviction of ex BBC Radio 1 DJ Mark Page of child sex offences.

Justin has a second to none reputation for representing survivors of childhood sexual in their claims for compensation. He and Alan have worked together on some of the most famous if not infamous cases of recent times including for example that of Jimmy Savile.

Page had been convicted of sexually abusing children in the Philippines. He did so by means of using webcam and, also, by travelling out to the Philippines.

Alan and Justin discuss how UK courts have jurisdiction in such cases where at first blush it might be thought impossible to bring such a case before an English court. They explain how they were able to successfully bring a claim for compensation on behalf of the Filipino victims of Douglas Slade – a British expat, in the High Court in London.

They explain how practical and logistical challenges need to be considered and overcome when bringing claims for compensation in the English High Court when the victims reside, perhaps, on the other side of the world.

Justin explains how victims and those assisting him must be conscious of time limits for bringing claims, and why it so important to seek legal advice as soon as practicable.

Alan explains how a claim can be brought in certain circumstances even if there has been a prosecution of the abuser in a non-UK court, and he and Justin go on to discuss various cases where they have been successful in obtaining compensation for victims in many varied parts of the world.

Finally Justin explains why it is important for victims to seek compensation, and what it can mean to them by often transforming their lives.