Menu
25/04/2013
Teen Wins Case Against Police Treatment Of 17-Year-Olds
The policy of treating 17-year-olds in police custody as adults and not children, has been successfully challenged at the High Court by a teenager.
Hughes Cousins-Chang, now 18, brought the case to the High Court. He had kept in custody for 12 hours and strip-searched before being released on police bail.
It also follows the deaths of two 17-year-olds who killed themselves after getting into trouble with police.
The High Court ruled the policy was "incompatible" with human rights law. Under-17s are given greater protection.
In his ruling on Thursday, Lord Justice Moses, sitting with Mr Justice Kenneth Parker, said:
"I conclude that it is inconsistent with the rights of the claimant and his mother, enshrined in Article 8 (of the European Convention on Human Rights) for the secretary of state to treat 17-year-olds as adults when in detention."
To do so "disregards the definition" of a child in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the "preponderance of legislation affecting children and justice", the judge said.
(H/CD)
Hughes Cousins-Chang, now 18, brought the case to the High Court. He had kept in custody for 12 hours and strip-searched before being released on police bail.
It also follows the deaths of two 17-year-olds who killed themselves after getting into trouble with police.
The High Court ruled the policy was "incompatible" with human rights law. Under-17s are given greater protection.
In his ruling on Thursday, Lord Justice Moses, sitting with Mr Justice Kenneth Parker, said:
"I conclude that it is inconsistent with the rights of the claimant and his mother, enshrined in Article 8 (of the European Convention on Human Rights) for the secretary of state to treat 17-year-olds as adults when in detention."
To do so "disregards the definition" of a child in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the "preponderance of legislation affecting children and justice", the judge said.
(H/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 October 2004
International police force 'must' be sent to Darfur
An international police presence is needed in Sudan's troubled Darfur region to ensure its vast population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are protected, two senior United Nations human rights officials told the Security Council today.
International police force 'must' be sent to Darfur
An international police presence is needed in Sudan's troubled Darfur region to ensure its vast population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are protected, two senior United Nations human rights officials told the Security Council today.
23 September 2014
EHRC To Investigate Met Following Discrimination Case
An investigation has been launched after a tribunal found that the Metropolitan Police deliberately re-wrote an internal report. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched its investigation against the force after a tribunal found that PC Carol Howard was discriminated against on the grounds of sex and race.
EHRC To Investigate Met Following Discrimination Case
An investigation has been launched after a tribunal found that the Metropolitan Police deliberately re-wrote an internal report. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched its investigation against the force after a tribunal found that PC Carol Howard was discriminated against on the grounds of sex and race.
20 May 2008
Police Vote For Right To Strike
Police officers in Northern Ireland would follow the lead of fellow officers in England and Wales over possible strike action on pay.
Police Vote For Right To Strike
Police officers in Northern Ireland would follow the lead of fellow officers in England and Wales over possible strike action on pay.
05 January 2006
Black police officers' group slams DNA figures
A black police officers' group has called for an investigation into the national DNA database, after a report suggested that black people were over-represented on the system. According to research conducted by the 'Guardian' newspaper, 37% of all black men are included on the database, compared to 9% of white men.
Black police officers' group slams DNA figures
A black police officers' group has called for an investigation into the national DNA database, after a report suggested that black people were over-represented on the system. According to research conducted by the 'Guardian' newspaper, 37% of all black men are included on the database, compared to 9% of white men.
26 February 2013
Legal Challenge For Rights Of 17-Year-Olds In Police Custody
The way 17-year-olds in England and Wales are treated after being arrested and taken into police custody could change following a legal challenge. Currently they are classed as adults, which means they do not automatically receive the guidance of an adult to help them through the legal process.
Legal Challenge For Rights Of 17-Year-Olds In Police Custody
The way 17-year-olds in England and Wales are treated after being arrested and taken into police custody could change following a legal challenge. Currently they are classed as adults, which means they do not automatically receive the guidance of an adult to help them through the legal process.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
