Sex torture case sparks scrutiny of youth courts

The brutal assault on boys aged 11 and nine by two brothers aged 10 and 11 in Edlington in 2009, raised concerns about some youth courts’ approach to children in trouble.

A fresh Parliamentary inquiry into the operation and effectiveness of youth courts has been launched under the chairmanship of Lord Carlile QC.

The inquiry, co-ordinated by the National Children’s Bureau, will draw on evidence from youth justice and legal experts as well as the experiences of children and young people themselves.

Lord Carlile said: “This inquiry goes to the heart of the youth justice system in England and Wales. It will examine the effectiveness of the youth court system, in particular its wider role in preventing youth crime. We want to see an improved youth court that better addresses youth offending, and delivers a better deal for victims and wider society.”

The probe is to consider whether youth courts are succeeding in preventing youth offending given high re-offending rates for under-18s, particularly for those leaving custody of whom seven in 10 are re-convicted within one year.

Enver Solomon, director of evidence and impact at the National Children’s Bureau, said: “We welcome the work of this inquiry and hope it will provide fresh impetus for improving how the youth court system works.”