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

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..

Children and the Law Consensual Sex

Children and the Law Consensual Sex
To consent is to agree to something, so when you are talking about the age of consent it is the age at which that law state..

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...

Double Jeopardy Law

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

link

Bail

What is Bail in the UK - If you have been charged with a crime you can be released on bail from the police station, which means you will be able to go home but..

Clare`s Law - Domestic Violence.

The domestic violence disclosure scheme named after domestic violence victim Clare Wood has been brought in throughout England and Wales. If you feel you could..

Children and the law - Committing a crime

Children and the law - Committing a crime.
A child under 10 will not be charged with a criminal offence but they can face consequences for their actions.
The..

What is a Section 60 notice?

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

link

Fraud Solicitors | Solicitors.com

Fraud Solicitors. Fraud could be described as a deception in order to secure unfair or unlawful gain, usually monetary...

Stalking and Harassment.

Recent report uncovers failings by the police and prosecution service...

How to end a Civil Partnership.

Whilst a Civil partnership is different to a marriage in many ways, ending one can follow similar lines to a marriage breakdown...

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