'Name and shame' debate warning

Young offenders in Jersey could lose their anonymity

Proposed law changes in Jersey to allow the media to name offenders as young as 12 could breach an international agreement, it is claimed.

The Attorney General has said that it would be inconsistent with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Politicians are to debate the changes which would give courts more discretion to allow the naming of children who have committed serious assaults.

Deputy Trevor Pitman said at 12 children understand "right and wrong".

Deputy Pitman, who is a former youth worker and the politician proposing the law change, said: "The public are crying out for government to finally make a stance and do something constructive to tackle the problem of escalating youth violence.

"I believe changing the law in the way I suggest can play a part in turning many away from a self-destructive path."

'International obligations'

Currently, the media in Jersey rarely names people under the age of 18.

Under the proposed laws though, children aged 12 and above could be named unless they had learning difficulties, or the court thinks there would be a serious risk of harm to the child.

But, in an official note to states members, the Attorney General said: "If the island is party to the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child at the time an amending law is submitted for royal assent, royal assent might not well be granted.

"To do so may place the UK in breach of its international obligations as the state party to that convention.

"The law officers are obliged to draw any such risk to the attention of the UK."

Senator Ben Shenton is proposing that the age of naming should be 16.

He has lodged an amendment to Deputy Pitman's proposition, and said: "I can fully understand exactly what he is trying to achieve.

"However I believe that the age of 12 is too young because you need the maturity to know the difference between right and wrong, and also the consequences of actions."

The proposals will be debated by States members this week.