Is anyone a police officer? - could be triggering

[Stressedout1980]

My child has been groomed by another ‘child’ who is almost an adult (18yrs). The evidence is there but as he is also a ‘child’ and although in a position of responsibility to my child in an organisation, they had left by the time the disclosure was made. My child is there and other children have backed up inappropriate behaviour/messages. Yet the police aren’t taking it any further after interview. I understand from a legal perspective that they ‘don’t want to convict a child’ but I am devastated for my child he will essentially then get away with it.

I’m not a police officer but deal a lot with child protection, it’s unlikely the police wouldn’t pursue charges of grooming to avoid convicting a child particularly given it’s not the police who convict. It’s more likely there a lack of evidence that reaches the criminal burden of proof.

I know that the police don’t convict.

I have also seen the evidence, far more than I ever wished and from other young girls too - pictures, requests to meet, threats, blackmail - because he didn’t physically get to my child, the fact he is shy of 18, not in a position of power at the time of the disclosure and has no previous is the reason the police believe they won’t get a conviction. If he was 18, then this would be different

How old is your child?

I don’t want to be too specific but under 16 and vulnerable

For grooming to be ‘criminal’ the offender has to be 18 or over which isn’t the case here.

I’m struggling with the legal and emotional side of this. A few months later and he would have been arrested, 10 years is the level of criminal responsibility yet now I am faced with telling my child he has got away with it on a technicality. It just doesn’t seem right.

I understand how upset you might be but they’re only just 17, not almost 18 so not really a technicality as they’re clearly well below the age the legislation talks about for grooming.

www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/42/section/15

That said other criminal offences (not of a sexual nature) may have occurred so would ask for the matter to be reviewed.

because he didn’t physically get to my child, the fact he is shy of 18, not in a position of power at the time of the disclosure
I understand this is horrible for you but all of these factors mean he hasn’t committed a grooming offence, there may be other offences that could be considered but the police can’t charge him because legally his behaviour doesn’t meet the definition of the offence of grooming. Morally I’m sure you could argue differently, and you could equally argue the legislation needs changed but as it stands...

Thanks your right, I know what the law says but I don’t agree with it. I believe this person is almost 18, messaging whilst they were still part of the organisation although it was not sexual until later and I KNOW he got off in the face she is underage and looks much younger than actual age. I know that doesn’t change the fact it’s not criminal but it’s sick and he will do it again. The police even said they’ve been running around make sure he has support not to do it again meanwhile I’ve had to fight for services for my child