The family of a schoolgirl who was sexually assaulted by a convicted migrant offender has spoken of their fury after the perpetrator walked free from court with a suspended sentence.
In an emotional statement, the victim's relatives described the justice system as "a complete let-down" and expressed their devastation at what they perceive as a lenient punishment for a serious crime.
'Our Trust Was Shattered'
The assault occurred when the migrant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, attacked the teenage girl despite being known to authorities as a registered sex offender. The family had placed their trust in the system to protect their daughter, only to see that trust shattered by both the assault and the subsequent court decision.
"We believed the authorities had measures in place to monitor dangerous individuals," a family member stated. "This sentence sends a dangerous message about how seriously these crimes are taken."
Growing Public Concern
The case has ignited fresh debate about the handling of migrant offenders in the UK justice system and the adequacy of sentences for sexual crimes against young people. Critics argue that suspended sentences for serious sexual offences undermine public safety and victim confidence in legal outcomes.
Community leaders have joined the family in expressing concern about monitoring procedures for known offenders and whether current sentencing guidelines adequately reflect the trauma experienced by victims of sexual assault.
Call for Sentencing Review
The family is now campaigning for a review of sentencing guidelines for sexual offences, particularly those involving young victims. They hope their daughter's case will prompt broader changes in how the justice system handles similar crimes in the future.
"No other family should have to go through this double trauma - the assault itself and then the disappointment of the legal outcome," the family representative added. "We need to see real changes to protect our children."
