Call for DPP discretion in underage sex cases

A LEADING young people’s organisation has called for judges and the Director of Public Prosecutions to be given discretion as to whether to prosecute and convict in cases of underage sex.

Youth Work Ireland (YWI) said the law should be strictly applied where there was an age difference of two years or more between a pair engaged in underage sex or where there was an imbalance in power because one party had greater authority or influence over the other. For all other cases, a degree of leeway should be allowed, the group suggested.

“These are complex and difficult legal situations where black and white may not always apply,” said the organisation’s director of central services, Michael McLoughlin.