Statutory rape - New sex laws won’t banish the blame

The dramatic decision of the Supreme Court in allowing the State’s appeal against the release of Mr A, a convicted sex offender, is a major relief, not just for the Government, but for the general public.

The court ruled yesterday that the law he was convicted under was unconstitutional, but, crucially, said that would not allow him to go free.

That judgment was essential for common justice and not just for the Government, which has been in disarray since the man’s release by the High Court — after the Supreme Court struck down the 1935 law on statutory rape.