MP to meet with the Department of Justice

A mother of a four-year-old claimed that her son had been sexually assaulted by two young boys under the age of ten and has called for the age of criminal prosecution to decrease.

She said that more needs to be done to protect children when social services and the police say that they are unable to do anything because of the age of the boys attackers.

The Ulster Star first revealed the shocking story on our front page last week - with other press picking it up this week.

Mr Donaldson said that in the wake of what has happened he will be meeting the Department of Justice asking why they are planning to increase the age of of criminal responsibility.

“This is at a time when younger children are getting involved in situations like this,” he said.

“Clearly I can understand there is a deep level of concern from parents about this incident.

“We are facing a situation when the Department of Justice are trying to increase the age of criminal responsibility which in effect means that children who engage in this sort of activity will not be charged.

“Lessons should be learned from this incident. It is also a society responsibility. All the evidence shows that the age of responsiblity should not be increased especially at a time when it is clear children are getting involved in unacceptable behaviour at such an early age.”