The Crime Agents Q&A: Is it time to increase the age of criminal responsibility?
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Mar 8, 2026 They debate raising the age of criminal responsibility, weighing medical evidence, landmark cases and risks of gang exploitation. They share tense stories of death threats, undercover work and police protection for families. They argue over victims’ right to know how perpetrators are found. They clash about people filming police and whether full bodycam footage should be released for context.
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Medical Evidence Suggests Higher Age Of Responsibility
- Medical evidence and the UN suggest many children under 14 may lack full criminal responsibility.
- Neil Basu acknowledges studies showing some as old as 14 don't fully grasp mens rea, so the legal age merits debate.
12 Year Old Convictions Highlight Public Concern
- Andy Hughes recounts the 12-year-old convictions for a machete murder and worries about letting such children 'walk free'.
- He cites a recent Wolverhampton case where two 12-year-olds were convicted after a violent park attack.
Many Young Offenders Are Victims Of Coercion
- Detectives increasingly view county lines and similar young offenders as exploited victims rather than pure criminals.
- Neil Basu notes many minors commit crimes under coercion, grooming or threats from adults and gangs.