A WARRINGTON man is campaigning to increase the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales from the current level of 10 years old.
Sean Creaney, a trustee at the National Association for Youth Justice (NAYJ), believes it’s necessary to stop primary school children acquiring criminal records.
He said: “Childhood criminal records in England and Wales can never be deleted. That’s why we need to increase the age significantly to prevent children getting a record that can blight their future.”
“As part of my role at the NAYJ I have long campaigned for an increase in the age of criminal responsibility. In most countries in Europe it is 14”.
“We at the NAYJ believe offending behaviour, especially by very young children, is an issue that warrants help not punishment.”
“This does not mean condoning problematic behaviour but rather dealing with it differently through the family intervention model or social services route where necessary.”
Sean also argues that children are considered criminally responsible at 10, but not regarded as competent or responsible enough to put the lottery on until 16 or vote until the age of 18.
The second reading of the age of criminal responsibility bill was debated in the House of Lords earlier this year, proposing an increase from 10 to 12.
1 Comment
Surely a better approach would be to bring up children to know the difference between right and wrong ?