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Time for a rethink on Grooming Laws


A child that is groomed online and sends an indecent image can face a criminal record.

In a recent example, a girl of 12 had been bombarded with messages from a predator trying to build trust and an emotional connection, the girl made an error of judgement and sent images she should not have, when the requests became more explicit she informed her parents, who contacted the police.

The police confiscated her iPad and the parents were informed by the officers that to send images was an offence and that the child could therefore be left with a criminal record.

The police are encouraged to take a common sense approach with such matters, so that a child does not become criminalised unnecessarily, i am sure at this stage the child knows the error of their ways, and for criminal proceedings to be mentioned will compound the stress and upset for the victim at such a young age, which must be wrong.

Whilst it’s unlikely that a case like this would come to court, the treatment given to the victim by the police can have a lasting effect and could stop victims coming forward.

The police are acting in accordance to Home Office rules and cannot be criticised for doing so, but perhaps it’s the rules that need to be changed or new guidelines issued on how such cases are investigated.

The girl is now left not knowing if she will be prosecuted, whilst the predator remains at large.

In this case, the paedophile used an anonymous Instagram account, it brings into question why developers of Apps, internet service providers and search engines do not make it easier for police to trace criminals.

Time for a rethink on Grooming Laws
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