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Hundreds cautioned over child sex Hundreds cautioned over child sex
(about 1 hour later)
A total of 229 adults were handed a police caution for subjecting children aged under 13 to sex offences, figures for 2004 to 2007 have shown.A total of 229 adults were handed a police caution for subjecting children aged under 13 to sex offences, figures for 2004 to 2007 have shown.
The statistics show that less than half of those who admitted such crimes or were convicted of them were jailed.The statistics show that less than half of those who admitted such crimes or were convicted of them were jailed.
Conservatives, who requested the data, said it showed lax law enforcement.Conservatives, who requested the data, said it showed lax law enforcement.
The government says cautions are only used when appropriate, with offenders being given a criminal record and placed on the sex offender register.The government says cautions are only used when appropriate, with offenders being given a criminal record and placed on the sex offender register.
The category of 'sexual activity with a child' includes offences involving rape, child prostitution and making a child perform a sex act.The category of 'sexual activity with a child' includes offences involving rape, child prostitution and making a child perform a sex act.
However, ministers insist cautions are not appropriate in the most serious cases.However, ministers insist cautions are not appropriate in the most serious cases.
Shadow justice secretary Dominic Grieve requested the figures, relating to adults aged 21 or over in England and Wales, in a parliamentary question.Shadow justice secretary Dominic Grieve requested the figures, relating to adults aged 21 or over in England and Wales, in a parliamentary question.
Cautions are not appropriate for serious offences Ministry of Justice spokesmanCautions are not appropriate for serious offences Ministry of Justice spokesman
He said: "Ministers regularly make loud announcements about cracking down on paedophiles.He said: "Ministers regularly make loud announcements about cracking down on paedophiles.
"Yet these figures show that, with 30% getting off with a slap on the wrist, law enforcement is at its most lax in protecting the most vulnerable.""Yet these figures show that, with 30% getting off with a slap on the wrist, law enforcement is at its most lax in protecting the most vulnerable."
He said that sentencing statistics for 2007 showed 145 people were convicted of sexual activity with under 13s, but only 94 were jailed.He said that sentencing statistics for 2007 showed 145 people were convicted of sexual activity with under 13s, but only 94 were jailed.
When 64 cautions were taken into account, that meant 54% of those convicted avoided prison.When 64 cautions were taken into account, that meant 54% of those convicted avoided prison.
Crown Prosecution Service lawyers decide whether offenders should be prosecuted.Crown Prosecution Service lawyers decide whether offenders should be prosecuted.
But the Conservatives believe pressure to meet government targets on solving crimes is influencing decisions, with each caution representing a case proven.But the Conservatives believe pressure to meet government targets on solving crimes is influencing decisions, with each caution representing a case proven.
'Strong message'
Diana Sutton, head of public affairs at child protection charity NSPCC, said the authorities must send a "strong message" to child abusers that they will face justice.
"It's important that within the criminal justice system children are supported properly so that child abusers are brought to justice," she added.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "Cautions are not appropriate for serious offences, but in some cases it might not be in the public's interest to put a young victim through the trauma of a trial."A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "Cautions are not appropriate for serious offences, but in some cases it might not be in the public's interest to put a young victim through the trauma of a trial."
Those cautioned would be placed on the sex offender register for two years, he said, adding that cautions can influence how offenders are dealt with by police in future.Those cautioned would be placed on the sex offender register for two years, he said, adding that cautions can influence how offenders are dealt with by police in future.
They may also be cited during subsequent court proceedings and made known to prospective employers, the spokesman added.They may also be cited during subsequent court proceedings and made known to prospective employers, the spokesman added.
In 2007, the BBC revealed that almost 8,000 sex offenders had been cautioned across England during the previous five years.In 2007, the BBC revealed that almost 8,000 sex offenders had been cautioned across England during the previous five years.
Offences involving children accounted for more than 1,600 of the cautions, while more than 240 were for rape.Offences involving children accounted for more than 1,600 of the cautions, while more than 240 were for rape.