YOUTH JUSTICE
Chilling pepper
IF AN adult pepper-sprayed a child in the street, they might reasonably expect to find themselves behind bars. The irritant is illegal, causes severe pain and can inflict serious injuries.
Yet the Ministry of Justice has sanctioned the use of its synthetic form, PAVA, on child prisoners in what campaigners warn is a dangerously misguided – and probably illegal – attempt to quell the epidemic of violence within the dysfunctional estate.
The Howard League for Penal Reform has urged the government to withdraw it or face a challenge through the courts. Chief executive Andrea Coomber KC said: “Instead of arming staff, the way to reduce violence is to close failing young offender institutions and ensure that children are accommodated in more appropriate settings such as secure children’s homes where they can be given the care and support they need. Prison is no place for a child.”