Sexual predators who abuse children under the age of 16 will automatically face rape charges in a major shake-up of the law.
The Home Secretary promised to tighten the law on rape yesterday to stop grooming gang cases being dropped or downgraded to lesser charges if the child victim is perceived to be 'in love' with their adult attacker.
The reform means adult perpetrators will no longer be able to use consent as a defence when a child is under 16.
Although the change in the law is designed to prevent older men from escaping punishment for grooming young girls for sex, it is also likely to affect other cases such as teachers seducing pupils.
In her report, Baroness Casey called for police and prosecutors to bring more offenders to justice, warning too many rapists were out on the streets.
