Men are almost twice as likely to harm animals, figures suggest.
From 2022 to 2023, 2,353 (62.9 per cent) of convictions for animal cruelty where the sex of the offender was known were of men and 1,387 (37.1 per cent) were of women. For convictions, 1,489 were for men (64.5 per cent) and 833 were for women (35.9 per cent).
As the row over the case has grown, lawyers have taken issue with official guidance from the Judicial Office which urges judges to “respect” the gender identity of those who appear in the courts by using their chosen name and pronouns.
Naomi Cunningham, a barrister in discrimination law at Outer Temple Chambers, and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former Cabinet minister, called for the guidance in the Equal Treatment Bench Book to be reviewed, but the Judicial Office has stood by it.
A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “Scarlet Blake’s gender did not form any part of the prosecution case, which was also highlighted by the judge presiding over the case.
“It has always been our absolute priority to convict the person responsible for Jorge Martin Carreno’s murder, and achieve justice for his family, which has now been done.
“Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Martin Carreno who have shown immense dignity throughout.
“Thames Valley Police adheres to the law and codes of practice, outlined by the Equality Act 2010, and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) Code C, when establishing and recording the gender of a person in our custody.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
