Mother obtains £27,000 for attack on her toddler

BBC news reports that a mother has won the right to compensation for her son after being refused by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) twice.

The toddler, who required stitches, was attacked by a 3 year old 11 times while he waiting in the car for his mother.

The CICA had refused the claim on the grounds that they could not accept that a three year old could be guilty of a crime of violence. On appeal to the Tribunals Service the judge found in favour of the mother and ruled the CICA must make the full award.

Under section 50 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933  children under the age of 10 are not criminally responsible for their actions.

Do you believe that a 3 year old is capable of a crime of violence? Do you think the law should be changed so that under 10 should, under law, be accountable for their actions? Or is there someone else to blame?

See BBC News 13 November 2009 Toddler-attack boy wins pay-out