Thousands of sex offenders escaping justice

According to the Home Office, offenders accused of nearly 20,000 stalking and harassment crimes over the past three years avoided court in favour of community resolutions that will not show up on their criminal record. Those accused of 1,250 sex offences followed the same path even though the system is designed for less serious crimes. “This year there was national outcry about the treatment of women in the criminal justice system after the kidnapping and murder of Sarah Everard — one of more than 55 women to die violently in 2021,” The Times reported. Many sex offenders have been able to avoid prosecution. The Times also found that abusers are being given informal punishments, including simply being asked to apologise, even as rape convictions fall to record lows.