Charities succeed in doubling jail terms

Care workers found guilty of having sex with a person with learning
difficulties will now face 14 years imprisonment, following an
amendment to the Sexual Offences Bill.

The government agreed to an amendment tabled by the chief executive
of social care charity Turning Point, Lord Adebowale, backed by
charities including Mencap and Voice UK.

It would mean workers who had sex with people with learning
difficulties in their care would face a 14-year jail term, instead
of the proposed seven years. Currently, the crime carries only a
two-year sentence.

Lord Adebowale said: “We are pleased the government has recognised
that sentences should reflect the seriousness of the crime and that
people living in a care home setting are particularly vulnerable to
abuse.”