Crime: Youth Crime and Antisocial Behaviour Commission

Lord Low of Dalston Excerpts

Monday 19th July 2010 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Linklater of Butterstone]

My Lords—

[Lord Low of Dalston]

My Lords—

[The Lord Bishop of Wakefield]

My Lords, the centres of Wakefield and other towns and cities in Yorkshire are at present prime focuses for urban and social renewal, but are being hampered by the sort of anti-social behaviour that we have been hearing about. In the light of similar situations, does the Minister agree with the Justice Committee of the other place that there is a need for the development of community based services to prevent potential offenders entering the criminal justice system and thus divert them from offending?

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[Lord McNally]

My Lords, I regret to say that that is still under review as far as the responses are concerned, but I hope that my replies have indicated that the whole thrust of the policy is one of localism and local community involvement, and a real attempt to avoid sending young people into custody.

[Lord Low of Dalston]

My Lords, the commission’s report states that the Crown Court is unsuitable as a venue for justice involving young people. Can the Minister say whether the Government will accept the commission’s recommendation that prosecutions of all young people under the age of 18 should be heard in the youth court?

[Lord McNally]

I am afraid I cannot give that guarantee because certain crimes that are committed by people under the age of 18 should go to the Crown Court.