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IAIN Gray yesterday called for the key Scots law rule of corroboration to be dropped in rape cases.

The demand risks a backlash from the legal establishment.

But the Scots Labour leader was backed by top QC Paul McBride, the Tories' main legal adviser.

Corroboration - the principle that two sources of evidence are required to prove guilt - has been increasingly seen as an obstacle to improving Scot land's low conviction rates for rape.

Last year, 884 rapes were reported to police but there were just 41 convictions.

A major review of Scots law is considering if and when the corroboration rule could be dropped. But Gray told the Record it was time to change the law.

He said: "Too often, the law in Scotland does not serve well women, men and children who have been the subject of serious sexual assault.

"I recognise the enormity of the change that would come from the removal of the need for corroboration.

"We must examine i f the current law serves the interests of justice for victims of sexual assault." He vowed Labour would listen to Scotland's legal eagles if he becomes first minister.

McBride said: "Iain Gray is right to make the running. Cases which might otherwise lead to successful prosecut ion a re too of ten abandoned at the first hurdle."

The principle of corroboration is designed to prevent miscarriages of just ice in which innocent people are convicted.

Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini highlighted the problem it causes in rape cases last month.

Under the SNP's plans, courts would no longer have to take into account delays in reporting a rape or any apparent lack of resistance from a victim.

Their proposals will be outlined in their manifesto, out tomorrow.