Lessons to learn from Damilola

The detective responsible for investigations into Damilola Taylor's murder said today vulnerable witnesses should be dealt with differently in court to avoid similar cases collapsing.

Police are anxious to avoid a repetition of their nightmare during the Old Bailey trial of four youths accused of the 10-year-old's killing in which their key witness - a troubled 14-year-old given the codename Bromley - was discreditedby defence lawyers.

The evidence of the disturbed and unhappy girl was demolished by experienced defence lawyers in a way that unsettled many observers. She argued with barristers and refused to answer questions.

Tomorrow "Bromley" will say how her involvement in the case has ruined her life.

Det Chief Supt Tony Crofts said "Bromley" was just the kind of vulnerable witness for whom the normal cut and thrust of adversarial procedure should be suspended to better get at the truth.

"With them the adversarial system paints two widely divergent pictures which doesn't help the witness, the jury or the judicial process."

It's My Story: The Witness is on Radio 4 at 8pm tomorrow.