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Community resolutions for underage sex defended by police

Out-of-court resolutions handed to sex offenders have been defended by police - who said they were given to children in a sexual relationship.

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West Midlands Police moved to reassure members of the public over its use of community resolutions following reports suggesting they were being wrongly-handed to serious criminals.

Around 30,000 resolutions were issued by the force in the last three years for low level offences like shoplifting, minor assaults and criminal damage ? as a means of achieving swift justice for victims.

They are only ever used with the victim's consent; they play an active role in the process and can help tailor aspects of the resolution. That might involve an apology, compensation or some form of rehabilitation for the offender.

Sometimes they are deemed appropriate for offences that, by their legal classification, appear very serious, including rape and grievous bodily harm (GBH).

In the last three years, 14 community resolutions have been used by West Midlands Police in cases classified as child rape ? but these were all cases involving young children in a sexual relationship.

West Midlands Police Chief Superintendent Mark Robinson said: "In law, it's classed as rape if a 12-year-old girl has sex with a 13-year-old boy. In all 14 cases there were no aggravating factors, the parents of both children were consulted and all parties agreed it would be futile to proceed with formal court action.

"Some reports have tried to suggest that child rapists are avoiding court…but once you look into the detail of each case, and see that they involve young children, this is misleading and I'm sure people would agree a community resolution is appropriate."

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