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Half of sex attackers, violent criminals and burglars avoid jail

Quite embarrassing, sends the wrong message, isn't fair and doesn't serve as justice.What I'm even more concerned about is 46% of caught paedophiles were not given a custodial sentence.  Paedophilia is not just a grave offence, but it is a behaviour that is notoriously difficult to change.  That being the case, why on earth aren't we protecting our children by incarcerating paedophiles? Anyone?

Angela White ● 4633d5 Comments

This Labour attack has fallen apart on first inspection.  In fact the number of people sent to prison has gone up since 2010 and the length of sentences has gone up which is why Labour press release only dealt with current data and gave no historical perspective.  We do need to be a bit careful with sex offences.  If a fourteen year old boy has sex with a thirteen year old girl he will be treated very differently to a nineteen year old or a 30 year old, even more so if he has learning difficulties.  The Guardian's coverage is a bit telling:http://www.theguardian.com/law/2014/jan/08/half-convicted-criminals-avoid-jailThey just repeated the press release and gave no analysis (because any analysis would wreck the press release).

Phil Taylor ● 4633d

Thanks Phil.  A 14 yr old boy having sex with a 13 yr old girl isn't paedophillia and wouldn't class as such under Law, I would assume, and certainly isn't paedophillia in the realms of psychiatry.

Angela White ● 4633d

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 doesn't really have the concept of paedophillia.  The word does not appear.  It merely outlaws sex with a child under 16 by anyone, including other children.  CPS guidance helpful here:http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/v_to_z/youth_offenders/#a29

Phil Taylor ● 4633d

Hi Phil.  I learn something new everyday.  Hadn't realised there was no distinction or label under the Law.The DSM-V recognises paraphillia, of which paedophilia is a disorder of (it's now called paedophilic disorder).  The DSM-V is the bible of psychiatry, for those who don't know.

Angela White ● 4633d

I'm surprised about the lack of posting on this thread.  Ok, let's change the subject matter and leave out paedophillia, as I know people wont touch it with ah barge pole (well done Phil!)What about burglars?  Violent crimes?  Anyone?  We must do something about the insulting sentences handed out (or not!) to these offenders.

Angela White ● 4630d