One person was convicted of rape in Dyfed and Powys last year as hundreds of new offences were recorded by police, new figures show, suggesting victims are rarely seeing justice done. Fewer than a dozen people were convicted of rape in North Wales the data show.

The Government announced a new pilot court scheme last week in a bid to increase low prosecution and conviction rates across England and Wales.

The initiative means prosecutors, police officers and other staff at pilot courts in Newcastle, Leeds and Snaresbrook in London will receive specialist trauma training, with any conclusions learned rolled out across the country to increase the volume and speed of rape cases going through the system.

Rape Crisis said the courts are a step in the right direction to arrest “appalling prosecution rates” but that more information is needed on how they will work.

Ministry of Justice figures show 13 rape cases were heard in court in 2021 following investigations by Dyfed-Powys Police, with one resulting in convictions – down from two in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic.

Ministry of Justice figures show 10 rape cases were heard in court in Gwynedd in 2021 following investigations by North Wales Police, with 11 resulting in convictions – up from five in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic.

But 803 alleged rapes were recorded by the force last year, separate Home Office data outlines, meaning only a fraction are likely to lead to a conviction.

But 509 alleged rapes were recorded by the force last year, separate Home Office data outlines, meaning only a fraction are likely to lead to a conviction.

Across England and Wales, there were 895 rape convictions – compared to 67,125 new cases.

Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said the pilot courts, which are due to be operational in October, “will focus on improving support for victims, tackling the backlog and reducing delays”.

“We’re also rolling out pre-recorded evidence faster, recruiting 1,000 sexual violence advisors, developing a 24/7 helpline and improving collaboration between police and prosecutors to ensure victims get the justice they deserve,” added Mr Raab.

But Jayne Butler, chief executive of Rape Crisis, said enough is not known about how the specialist courts will work and insisted a “proper consultation with specialist sexual violence support services” is needed.

Ms Butler also highlighted how low prosecution rates have “effectively decriminalised” rape and discouraged victims from coming forward and reporting crimes.

In Dyfed and Powys, just 2.5% of the 319 rape investigations concluded by police last year led to a charge or summons.

In North Wales, just 0.6% of the 512 rape investigations led to a charge or summons.

Some 20% of cases were dropped due to evidential difficulties, despite the support of the victim and the suspect being identified, while a further 65% were dropped because the victim did not support further action.

No suspect was identified in 8% of cases.

Across England and Wales, just 2% of 42,203 concluded investigations led to a prosecution.

Ms Butler said: “The vast majority of victims and survivors seeking criminal justice are being hugely let down by the system.”