Police matters - UK only please?

Question

Young girls under 16 are not supposed to have s*x [in law they cannot consent] but clearly as there are many pregnancies under this age the law is not enforced though technically the man could be prosecuted. In practice - and certainly where there is little difference in the ages of the parties it never seems to happen where both parties are truly willing. We are not talking child molestation here but rather "love".

Do the police have guidelines as to what age difference is "acceptable" for a 15 year old girl?

For what it may matter I should point out that I am not directly involved; I am not - to spell it out 100% - the boy concerned.

Sensible and helpful replies welcomed.

Answer 1

In most cases the girl wont cooperate with police, If the ages are close together no action will be taken. If there is a big age difference then police will persue the matter.

Answer 2

well i am around that age myself

it is illegal but like alcohol if it is done on a private resedence police are unlikly to charge if anything they would just contact the parents

but you know are police soft as a bloody pillow

Answer 3

The police in the UK are a joke!

If the lad in question is also under age - what is the point of prosecuting.

If he is ove 16 I say the police should be involved - but I believe it is up to the local police.

Answer 4

I don't think it would be up to the police but the CPS.  I think where both parties are under 16 no action would be taken, when the boy is 16 to 18 it would be a grey area and over 18 they would tend to recomend prosecution.

But they probably take other things into account as well as age, like the attitude of the parents, the general public benefit of bringing a prosecution, and the likelihood of a gulity verdict

Answer 5

Just to clarify a point that is misunderstood all the time - the government  dictates and sets down all the law relating to offences .The police investigate the allegations and then have to work within the guidelines set down , often in liasion with the Crown Prosecution Service .

We dont make the laws and can only operate within the gudelines given by Goverment ....

Answer 6

In my experience (of hearing about similar offences but not having investigated myself) there would be no prosecution without cooperation from the girl in question.  If she refused to help Police with their enquiries then they would not be able to pursue it, although people may get arrested and the investigation taken to the point of asking for a charging decision from the CPS.

Its hard to prove something with no evidence of an offence having occurred.

Answer 7

Well in the eyes of the law he is 17 and she is under age. Regardless of "love" the law is the law.

Otherwise you could have a delusional 14 year old claiming that they are in love with an 30/40/50 etc year old.