A cautionary tale

Yet, given that these shortcomings existed prior to the coalition being formed nearly three years ago, some will be bemused why Ministers did not act in 2010 after the Tories had criticised Labour’s complacency during the election campaign.

A cynic might argue that yesterday’s announcement had more to do with faltering poll ratings – and wider dismay over the economy – than a genuine desire to overhaul the criminal justice system because David Cameron belatedly realises that his government is still paying lip service to the rights of crime victims.

That said, there could be occasions when the offence in question might warrant a caution – and policing minister Damian Green cited the example of a 17-year-old having consensual sex with an under-age 15-year-old or a teenager carrying a knife on a fishing trip.

However, cautions should never be used when the offence in question involves a more serious sexual crime. Such matters should always be dealt with by the courts, if only to remove the possibility of a police officer striking a deal with an offender to inflate clear-up rates.

As well as ensuring that this review is conducted, and then implemented, swiftly, Ministers need to ensure that the courts fully understand their obligations to society – it was alarming to hear Mr Green admit that “the guidelines were not clear enough in the past”.

As such, new laws – which take time to implement – may not be the answer if existing legislation can be refined and made more effective.