Phillips: Victims of sexual crimes by children asked to ‘suck it up’
The Story
Former safeguarding minister Jess Phillips has stated that victims of sexual offences committed by children are being asked to “suck it up” for the sake of their attackers’ rehabilitation. She called for a review of sentencing guidelines, citing cases where teenage boys received youth rehabilitation orders after rape convictions. Phillips also warned about the influence of online pornography and crimes being filmed for content.
Key Facts
- Phillips said victims are being asked to “suck it up” for the sake of the perception of what is best for the perpetrators.
- She called for a review of sentencing guidelines for children, arguing they place too much emphasis on the perpetrator and not enough on victims.
- In Fordingbridge, Hampshire, three boys were given youth rehabilitation orders after two were convicted of rape and one of involvement in attacks on two girls aged 14 and 15. The sentencing judge said he wanted to “avoid criminalising these children unnecessarily.”
- In the north-east of England, three separate teenage boys convicted of rape and serious sexual assault of girls as young as 14 were handed youth rehabilitation orders and ordered to pay court fees of £26.
- The attorney general has referred the Fordingbridge sentences to the court of appeal as “unduly lenient.”
- Phillips noted a “growing trend” of children sexually abusing other children, and said sentencing guidelines have not been updated with that in mind.
- She cited the growth in online pornography and crimes being filmed “in order to make content” as possible drivers.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Jess Phillips, former safeguarding minister
- Three teenage boys in Fordingbridge, Hampshire
- Three teenage boys in north-east England
- Sentencing judge at Southampton crown court (unnamed)
- Attorney general (unnamed)
Sources: The Guardian
