Responding to the call, a CPS spokesman said: “A decision to prosecute a youth is only made if there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to do so.

“The Code for Crown Prosecutors directs prosecutors to consider the welfare of the child when looking at whether or not to charge including if diversion would be beneficial. 

“There is a strong presumption in favour of diverting children from the criminal justice system and the number of youth prosecutions has fallen by more than 80 per cent in last 10 years.

“Factors such as age and maturity, seriousness of the offence, previous offending, and mental health are taken into account.”

Sir James also said that children and families struggled to get help because “responsibility is spread across too many agencies and too many budgets,” and too many Government departments have responsibility for dealing with different aspects of a case. 

“Even when this ‘system’ – if that is a remotely appropriate word – is working with well-oiled efficiency, it is rarely capable of speaking speedily or with a single voice, let alone decisively and effectively,” he said.