A learning disability means a significant reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills (impaired intelligence), with a reduced ability to cope independently with everyday tasks. Around one third of children in custody have a learning disability.
A witness with a learning disability may need special measures to provide them with extra help when they give evidence to the police or at court. A defendant with a learning disability may need extra help to effectively participate in what is happening at the police station or at court.