[joeysteele]

They do anyway,but I think Ken Clarke was stating that anyone accused of Rape could get an even more lenient sentence for pleading guilty.

There is virtually no decency in a Rapist,often they plead not guilty and the victim is forced to go through the humiliation of having to re-live the nightmare in Court and be cross examined too,if the person accused pleads guilty, the victim is spared that at least.

I wouldn't say that was right or wrong to get a more lenient sentence and I believe Ken Clarke was indicating this for the less severe ??(whatever that means) rape cases only.
However in my opinion rape is rape and if someone commits it but doesn't plead guilty then they should have everything thrown at them not just the book.
I do think anything that can minimise the further stress and pain for the victim is a good thing though.

I also think on the other side of things, a Man should not have his name plastered all over the papers when accused of rape, when he is found guilty,fine, but at the moment where one remains near anonymous throughout the investigation and proceedings but the accused gets all the media condemnation is another part of the rape trial process that needs addressing.