## Video Summary The current state of the UK justice system has come under scrutiny, particularly regarding the sentencing of offenders in cases involving child abuse and online offences. A striking example highlighted in a recent discussion involves a man sentenced to just two and a half years for the sexual abuse of an 11-year-old girl, while another individual received a longer prison term for posting content online. This disparity raises serious questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the legal system. The case in question involved Greater Manchester Police, who controversially referred to the victim as a 'teenager' despite her being only 11 years old at the time of the offences. This misrepresentation not only undermines the severity of the crime but also obscures the reality of the victim's experience. The perpetrator, Ahmed, was found guilty of multiple serious offences, yet his sentence appears disproportionately lenient when compared to the punishment meted out for lesser online crimes. The discussion also touches on the role of sentencing guidelines established by the Sentencing Council, which dictate that not all offenders of sexual crimes warrant imprisonment. This has sparked debate among the public and legal experts alike, with many arguing that any form of child abuse should result in a significant prison sentence. The video encourages viewers to voice their opinions on whether the current sentencing practices are adequate or if they require reform. Moreover, the video invites viewers to consider the implications of such lenient sentences on public safety and the message it sends about the seriousness of child abuse. It also provides information on how individuals can report perceived leniencies in sentencing to the Attorney General for review, highlighting the importance of community engagement in the justice process. Ultimately, the discussion underscores a critical need for a reassessment of how the justice system handles cases of child abuse in comparison to other offences, as the current approach appears to lack coherence and fairness. In conclusion, the video serves as a call to action for viewers to reflect on the justice system's priorities and to advocate for changes that ensure more equitable treatment for victims of heinous crimes. The stark contrast in sentencing between online offences and serious child abuse cases raises fundamental questions about justice and accountability in the UK. ## Full Transcript ## Introduction This is how absolutely backwards the justice system is in the UK at the moment. You can receive a longer prison sentence for posting something online than someone who has committed multiple heinous crimes against a child. More details on this shortly, but I must be cautious not to reveal too much in the first 30 seconds of the video, or it risks being flagged and going unseen. ## The Case of Greater Manchester Police What is even more confusing is why Greater Manchester Police are downplaying the situation by referring to the victim as a teenager when she was only 11 years old. The definition of the offence clearly states that she was not a teenager at the time. I will compare this to the case of Lucy Connelly, who was imprisoned for her actions. I still believe she should have pleaded not guilty and that a jury would have found her not guilty, but I have discussed that in other videos. So, why is it that someone posting something online can receive a one-month prison sentence, which is longer than the two-and-a-half-year sentence given to a man for multiple offences against a child? ## The Offence and Sentencing Let’s examine how Greater Manchester Police reported this case. They stated that a man was jailed for two and a half years for the sexual abuse of a vulnerable teenage girl between 2016 and 2018. However, this was a serious crime that lasted for two years, and the victim was not a teenager at the time. The police's description is misleading. While the victim may have become a teenager later, she was only 11 years old during the offences. The article confirms this, as the man was found guilty of seven serious crimes, which I will not detail here. The law defines the victim as a child under 13, so why does Greater Manchester Police refer to her as a teenage girl? The court heard how Ahmed, who was 17 at the time of the offences, repeatedly coerced the victim into these acts without consent. The victim bravely disclosed the abuse in April 2021 and later provided a detailed video interview to the police, revealing a pattern of escalating abuse over a two-year period. Despite this, he was sentenced to only two and a half years, while Lucy Connelly received a 31-month sentence. In addition, Ahmed was given a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order, both lasting ten years. The sexual harm prevention order carries strict liability in the event of a breach, which can lead to custody and an unlimited fine. ## Sentencing Guidelines and Public Opinion Some may criticise the judge for the lenient sentence. However, it is important to note that judges follow guidelines set by the Sentencing Council, which has consistently maintained that not all offenders of this nature deserve a prison sentence. I hold a different view; I believe that anyone guilty of such offences, whether involving images or actual crimes, should face imprisonment. I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments: do you think jail should be the answer? If you believe this sentence is unduly lenient, as I do, you can report it to the Attorney General for review. You will need to provide details such as the court, the name of the offender, and the sentence. This process is typically reserved for serious cases like this one. I have previously reported cases, and in some instances, sentences have been reviewed and extended. ## Conclusion Finally, I want to address those who argue that these are different offences and cannot be compared. In reality, we do compare them. On one hand, someone may post something online that incites violence, while on the other, there is a case of prolonged abuse against a child. The latter is a heinous crime, yet the perpetrator received a shorter sentence. While the crimes are indeed different and have distinct sentencing guidelines, it does not make sense in the context of justice. Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Thank you for watching.