Call To Raise Child Criminal Age

An MSP Is calling for the Scottish Government to raise the age of criminal responsibility.

At the moment, children aged 8 and over can be given a criminal record - the youngest age of any European country. Liberal Democrat Justice Spokesperson Alison McInnes wants that increased to 12, in line with UN recommendations. She has written to the justice secretary Michael Matheson, following a bid to amend the criminal justice bill in Scotland.

In her letter Ms McInnes said: "The law, as it currently stands, is woefully outdated in its perception of children’s capacity to make decisions, understand and be deemed responsible for their actions. It is not a fair or progressive reflection of the emotional, mental and intellectual maturity of young children.

"I understand from Barnardo’s and other organisations that there are occasions when referrals to children’s hearings on offence grounds cause a child of just eight or nine to obtain a criminal record. This could limit their opportunities for life and is an inappropriate and destructive response the law should prevent. It strikes me that anything less would be incompatible with the Scottish Government’s 'getting it right for every child' agenda."

Tam Baillie is Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People, he says being criminalising children too young can affect their prospects later in life: