Almost half of rape victims are dropping out of investigations, as a growing proportion do not want to pursue a prosecution even when a suspect has been identified, according to a Cabinet Office report leaked to the Guardian. 

Lest we forget. 

Straining to hear the judge from behind the bulletproof glass in the dock of court one, the 16-year-old pleaded guilty to a crime with the hallmarks of being committed by a child. He had burgled a McDonald’s and been caught by police helping himself to a McFlurry. 

The Youth court system is in 'chaos', says children's commissioner the Guardian reports.  Vulnerable children in England and Wales waiting months for convictions, appearing without adult support and being wrongly placed in dock, Guardian investigation finds.  The youth justice system in England and Wales is “chaotic and dysfunctional” following almost a decade of cuts and court closures, the children’s commissioner has warned, after a Guardian investigation found a system plagued by increasing delays, confusion and poor child protection.   Anne Longfield called for a wholesale review of the youth justice system, saying the youth court was “not a child-friendly environment…

The trial of two Burnley fans accused of shouting abuse at a Brighton player and fans has collapsed due to "serious failings in bringing evidence".

 People convicted of stalking, harassment, child sexual abuse and other sex offences could see their sentences increase, following extensions to the 'unduly lenient' sentence scheme recently announced.