'Loopholes' remain as young rapists can still dodge criminal trials

YOUNG rapists in the SNP's soft-touch justice Scotland can STILL dodge a criminal record thanks to loopholes, despite Dorothy Bain toughening up guidelines.

- By David Walker

Concerns were raised by victims last year about alleged sex offenders being diverted from prosecution and undergoing therapy instead of facing a day in court.

The Lord Advocate stepped in to order a review of the sentencing guidance after a series of incidents emerged when rapists were given alternatives to appearing in court.

New guidelines were published on Monday, but critics say gaps remain in the legislation.

Under prosecution guidelines, instead of facing trial, under-18s can be given therapy and spared a criminal conviction for a series of offences including sexual crimes. Teenage rapist Lennox McGhee was granted a “diversion from prosecution” when he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl when he was 15, and with no jail term or criminal record, then struck again two years later when he raped a 15-year-old.