Child Care Solicitors

Blackburn Magistrates’ Court has heard how a 13-year-old boy raped his eight-year-old sister after watching porn on his X-Box console.

The boy told police that after watching pornography on the X-Box console he “decided to try it out” – and picked on his sister because “she was small” and “couldn’t remember stuff”.

On Tuesday (04/02/14), the 13-year-old admitted three single charges of rape, indecent assault and enticing his sister to perform a sex act on him.

A pre-sentence report is being prepared and the boy – who cannot be named for legal reasons – has been released on bail and is living with relatives away from his sister.

Controversy surrounding computer games has mainly centred around whether violent games incite users to commit violent acts they have seen on a screen. Some health experts claim computer games desensitise players and make them less repelled by violent acts committed in real life.

The debate over the effects of porn has also centred on how porn might affect users in real-life situations – and whether desensitisation also occurs.

Fiona Elvines from the Rape Crisis Charity told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph that the case highlights growing concerns over children having access to pornography via computer games and online.
“For a long time, people have been sitting on the fence and saying we do not have the evidence to say porn is harmful,” Ms Elvines said.
“But now we are starting to have some evidence around young people’s exposure. How much evidence do you need? It shows that the government’s measures are extremely important and that we need to start acting.
“When children see porn, they have no context for what it is used for: there is pressure on children to be sexualised – particularly on younger boys – to start having sex. It is coming from peers and porn.”
The government has recently spoken out about parents having more control over their children’s access to online porn – the X-Box is manufactured by Microsoft and the company said:

“'At Microsoft we have some of the most robust systems that allow parents to control what their children play and watch online.”

A spokesman for Microsoft added:

“We have the greatest sympathy for all involved in this case.”

Duncan Lewis Family and Children Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of family and children solicitors and can advise on children taken into Local Authority care, as well as child abuse and domestic violence.

Duncan Lewis is also a leading provider of Legal Aid services.

For expert help with family and children law contact Duncan Lewis family solicitors on 0202 7923 4020.