Stormont should close child abuse loophole, NSPCC says

The NSPCC has called on politicians at Stormont to close an abuse loophole (Paul Faith/PA)

Stormont ministers should close a legal loophole enabling some adults to have sexual contact with 16-year-olds in their care, the NSPCC has said.

Religious leaders and sports coaches could be banned from having sex with 16 and 17-year-olds in their care under the Westminster government’s plans to expand child abuse laws.