Baroness Louise Casey has expressed deep disappointment with the government's handling of grooming survivors who were wrongly criminalised as children. Despite her own report highlighting the issue and subsequent legislation aimed at pardoning 'child prostitution' offences, she believes this measure falls short in addressing the problem.
The law change, which came into effect last year, was seen as a step towards rectifying the long-standing injustice faced by these survivors. However, Baroness Casey argues that it lacks the comprehensive scope required to fully address the issue. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, she reiterated her call for a thorough scheme to review and quash all wrongful convictions, stating that the government has so far 'failed' in this regard.
While the Home Office has stated its commitment to reviewing criminal convictions potentially influenced by childhood sexual abuse, Baroness Casey's concerns centre on the breadth and speed of the government's response. The thousands of individuals whose lives continue to be impacted by past legal judgments are still waiting for meaningful action, she argues.
The case of 'Joanne', a pseudonym, exemplifies the profound consequences of being wrongly criminalised as a child. Groomed from 15 and subjected to extensive sexual exploitation, Joanne was repeatedly arrested and prosecuted despite being a minor. Now in her 50s, her criminal record – which includes over 40 prostitution-related convictions – has severely limited her opportunities for education, employment, travel, and even volunteering at her children's school.
Although the new legislation will pardon some of Joanne's child prostitution offences, it does not extend to her adult soliciting convictions, incurred while still being trafficked. She is seeking financial compensation for the lasting impact these convictions have had on her life, and Baroness Casey reiterates that simply expunging child prostitution offences 'is not good enough, it's not quick enough, it's not clever enough'.