Skip to Content

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
Image Description
related news
recent articles
Major Change in Divorce Law - no fault divorces

Government to finally introduce 'no-fault' Divorce laws..

link

Computer & IT Law

Computer and IT Law.
Computer Law is concerned with controlling and securing information stored on and transmitted between computers. Computer networks contain..

Cautions, warnings and penalty notices.

Police cautions and warnings are the same and can be issued to anyone over the age of ten for minor offences, whilst this does not count as a conviction it can..

Protecting your on-line memories

Protecting your on-line memories - In a recent survey over 2,000 people were asked what they think happens to digital images on Facebook if a user passes away,..

Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

link

The law on Cannabis.

Anyone found in possession of cannabis could be liable to a fine or a prison sentence, cannabis is classed as a B category drug in the UK and is illegal...

Reasons for Divorce

Reasons for Divorce. - What constitutes grounds for divorce..

Financial Orders | Family Law.

What happens to money, property and debt with divorce, partnership and relationships splits?..

What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..

link

Guide to Mediation - Children

One of the biggest decisions facing couples when a relationship breaks down is what happens with the children, there are many decisions that need to be made, al..

Guide to Mediation - Finance and Property.

Most people think of maintenance payments when couples' split but the areas covered under Finance and Property Mediation are so much more...

Children and the Law - Smacking

Children and the Law - Smacking.
It is surprising that the UK have not adopted the same stance as in Europe where the EU have adopted a clearer stance in makin..

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top