This government is determined to do all we can to make sure victims have confidence they will get justice.”

#StephanieRoberts-Bibby, the chief executive of the #YouthJusticeBoard, said: “It is also important that individual judges and frontline youth justice services are not unfairly critiqued for applying the legal framework and the evidence they are required to consider in such cases. Nevertheless, confidence in the justice system matters, particularly in cases involving violence against women and girls, and it is essential that public concern is not dismissed.

“The overwhelming majority of children do not commit offences of this seriousness. But where they do, the response must balance accountability, public protection, victim harm, deterrence and the long-term goal of preventing future violence.”