thecurtainfalls
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http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/boy-8-dubbed-rape-time-bomb/2006/01/17/1137466979156.htmlBoy, 8, dubbed rape 'time bomb'
January 17, 2006 - 4:15PM
Authorities have been accused of creating a "time bomb" by not ordering an eight-year-old boy allegedly involved in the rape of a three-year-old girl to undergo some form of counselling.
The north Queensland boy, who is below the age of criminal responsibility, probably has no idea he has done wrong, state Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said today.
The eight-year-old was allegedly involved in the gang rape of the girl in Cairns 12 days ago.
Mr Springborg said the lack of counselling and monitoring could pave the way for similar acts by the same boy as he grew older.
"We have a time bomb waiting to happen again if there is no counselling," he told reporters.
An 11-year-old boy was scheduled to appear in the Cairns Children's Court today charged with rape and a 13-year-old boy has already appeared before a youth justice conference.
A police spokeswoman said the eight-year-old boy was too young to be charged.
Under Queensland law, children under 10 are not deemed to be criminally responsible.
But Mr Springborg said the law should be changed and the child should at least receive compulsory counselling.
"I was absolutely shocked that a child so young could be involved in such an horrific crime," Mr Springborg said.
"I was even more shocked as a parent that somebody that did that is not even counselled by the authorities - not even told that what they did is wrong."
i think this is utterly awful. they can't charge him or have him appear in court, but if that kid doesn't have to recieve counselling that is completely fucked.