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A girl who was sent to jail for refusing to answer questions in court should be given more respect, Victim Support says.
The 15-year-old spent 45 minutes in a court cell after refusing to testify against her father, who was facing several charges including indecent assault and unlawful sexual connection.
She was eventually released and the trial was aborted. The father was later convicted of indecent assault, but the more serious charges were dropped.
Victim Support chief executive Marie Knight said the girl obviously had her reasons for not wanting to give evidence against her father.
"It certainly sounds as though she became a victim of the system. For whatever reason, we have to acknowledge whatever she feels is right for her."
She said it was distressing for victims to go through an ordeal only to find themselves behind bars.
"I would have hoped the judge would have taken an alternative action, such as finding a counsellor for her to talk through why she chose that particular action, and then leaving the power with her, giving her the right to make decisions for herself."
Crown prosecutor Simon Moore said judges had few options under the new Evidence Act but to hold people in contempt of court for refusing to give evidence. Speaking generally, he said people held in contempt were tryingto keep evidence from coming before the courts.
In the interests of seeking justice, judges can order them to remain behind bars until they are ready to testify.
