Labour delays new child rape offences carrying life sentences

Rape charges carrying a life maximum already exist for cases where prosecutors can disprove consent, but Baroness Casey found cases downgraded where 13 to 15-year-olds were said to have consented. The new offences removing that requirement received royal assent in April yet remain uncommenced, with an impact assessment forecasting 200 to 350 extra prison places at a time when around 4,500 other prisoners are being released early.