'Lotto rapist' case goes to House of Lords

'Lotto rapist' case goes to House of Lords

I am surprised that the House of Lords are even entertaining hearing the case of the woman who was raped and received £5,000 from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, as she tries to claim damages out of time from the rapist who later won the lottery. According to her lawyers "My client and others like her should be able to gain justice through the civil courts and there is clearly an anomaly in the law as it stands that is preventing them from doing so". My understanding is that it is up to Parliament to legislate to amend the 6 year rule in which claims have to be made. I cannot see the HofL ruling in her favour because the politicians had the chance to amend the law and chose not to do so. Whether she should be entitled to more is one issue, whether the law should be changed to allow someone another bite of the cherry is another issue. I cannot see the link between the rapist's criminal conduct and subsequent punishment, and his later good fortune in winning the lottery. I don't think it can be claimed that he is benefiting from his crime. The two acts are totally separate and distanced by over 6 years in time. As no law prevented him from buying a lottery ticket, he has the same rights as anyone else to claim and spend his winnings if his numbers come up.