A trial judge's Longman warning must separately address: (1) circumstances relevant to evaluating the complainant's evidence (including delay, fragility of youthful recollections, absence of early complaint, and distortion of recollection over time); and (2) the accused's inability to test the evidence due to delay. The forensic disadvantage warning must not be undermined by reference to the complainant's reasons for the delay, as the disadvantage to the accused has nothing to do with whether the delay is explained. Repeatedly characterising the scrutiny direction as one given 'in all cases' risks minimising its importance to the jury.
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