I have been asked to say a big thank-you to all those readers who supported the campaign launched by a teenage girl who was the victim of a sexual assault.

The alleged attacker will not face court after he changed his appearance just before an identity parade, leaving the police unable to take proceedings and the brave schoolgirl furious.

She immediately went into action in a bid to get the law changed. We took up the issue, and as soon as it was publicised the campaign 'grew wings'.

It led this week to our MP Ann Cryer, who has taken up the case, asking a question in the House of Commons and a positive reply being given.

We know the identity of the girl - as indeed do others. But the vast majority of the hundreds of people who supported her petition plea have no idea who she is.

That is what has made this appeal so special. Normally anonymous appeals don't have the same impact as ones where identity is known.

The outcome is not certain, but at least the issue has been drawn to the government's attention and the procedures are under review.

My one hope is that one day we will be able to identify the man involved, interview him and carry his photograph.

On behalf of all concerned, thanks for your support for this courageous girl.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.