“The age at which a child can be prosecuted in adult criminal courts will rise from eight to 12 to help ensure the rights and needs of children are balanced properly with the protection of communities.”
So says a press release from the Scottish Government - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/08/06143948
This is clearly a step in the right direction. The UK Government now needs to consider increasing the age of criminal responsibility in England from ten to twelve at least.
Putting very young people through the criminal courts is a form of institutionalised abuse and serves no clear purpose. Urgent action is required to put this right.
