Calls to ban men over 30 from having sex with 16-year-olds after Russell Brand, David Walliams allegations
There is a push to change the age of consent in the wake of the Russell Brand conviction so older men can’t legally have sex with 16 and 17 year olds.
The UK will investigate introducing a staggered age of consent in the wake of the case against Russell Brand.
The UK Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the change needed to be discussed after stories of “abuse of power by powerful men” have emerged.
Under the current laws, an adult can legally have sex with a teenager from 16 years of age.
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“He was a very successful man who had a lot of power and sway in the industry. Whereas I was a 16-year-old with no life experience, no sexual experience and no prior relationships. What was my level of maturity meant to be?” she told the Sunday Times in the UK.
Ms Latter, now 37, alleged she had been mistreated by the jailed entertainer when she was a schoolgirl and he was 30.
The allegation was reported to the Metropolitan Police, and while Ms Latter said in an interview she had decided not to continue with the criminal process, the force has said the investigation into the alleged rape remained ongoing.
Ms Latter was referred to under the pseudonym of Alice in previous reporting by the Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches documentary.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, Ms Latter waived her right to anonymity to campaign for a change in law that she hopes will protect teenagers from grooming.
She is calling for the introduction of a staggered age of consent, which would make relationships between adults and teens aged 16 and 17 illegal.
She was 16 when she met Brand in Leicester Square in central London, while she was on her way home from a shopping trip.
He took her number, later messaged her, and asked if she wanted to go for dinner.
She told the newspaper that Brand - who was working at MTV at the time - still asked her to meet after she had confessed her age to him.
Ms Latter said Brand told her to keep their relationship secret from her school friends, but his entourage knew, with the convicted rapist referring to her as “the child” in front of them.
Ms Latter alleges Brand orally raped her towards the end of their three-month relationship.
“I don’t want to criminalise teenagers having sex with each other,” she said.
“If you’re between the ages of 16 and 18, it seems reasonable that you can have relationships with each other, and (teenagers) are always going to.
“But...if you’re in your thirties, forties and fifties and you’re trying to have a relationship with someone under the age of 18, it (should be) a criminal offence.”
With wires
If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
