Ages

There are a number of measures that can be used for any vulnerable or intimidated witness. Some people are automatically classed as vulnerable, for example:

• Children under the age of 16 at the time of giving evidence.
• Any person suffering from a mental disorder.
• Any person suffering from a learning disability.
• Any person who is physically disabled.
• Any witness whose evidence is likely to be diminished through fear or distress.

The police have the responsibility of notifying the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) at the earliest possible stage of any measures that may be required. The COPFS will then make an application to the Court for a Special Measures and the Court will decide if the measures would improve the quality of the witness's evidence.

The possible special measures are:

• Screening the witness from the accused.
• Giving evidence through a live link.
• Removal of wigs and gowns.
• Use of communication aids.
• Video recording of interview used as evidence.

No one under 18 years can have with them an air weapon at any time unless supervised by someone who is aged at least 21 years unless they are shooting at an approved target shooting club or shooting gallery.

A young person between 14 – 16 years may shoot an air weapon on private premises providing they have the prior consent of the owner/occupier and providing any missile fired does not go beyond the boundary of those premises.

It also became an offence to make a gift of an air weapon or ammunition to a person under the age of 18 years.

It is also an offence to have an air weapon in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

There are currently no lower age limits for an applicant wishing to apply for a shotgun certificate. A person under the age of 14 years may not be granted a firearm certificate in any circumstances.

A person under the age of 17 may not purchase a firearm or ammunition.

Under 15 years old it is prohibited to have with him assembled shotgun except while under the supervision of a person of or over the age of 21, or while the shotgun is so covered with a securely fastened gun cover that it cannot be fired.

A person may use a shotgun on private premises in certain circumstances. A person without a licence may borrow a shotgun from another person on private premises as long as:

• the weapon is being borrowed for either hunting animals or shooting game or vermin, or, for shooting at artificial targets;
• the lender is at least 18 years old, holds a relevant certificate, and either has the right to allow others to enter the premises for the purpose of shooting animals, game or vermin, or, is authorised in writing by such a person to lend weapons on the premises;
• the borrower's possession of the weapon complies with any conditions set out in the lender's certificate; and
• during the time the weapon is borrowed, the borrower is in the presence of the lender or another person aged 18 or over who holds a relevant certificate.

A person borrowing a shotgun on private premises may also purchase or acquire ammunition on the premises during the time the firearm is borrowed, as long as the ammunition is for use with the borrowed firearm, it is allowed by the lender's certificate, and it complies with any related conditions in the certificate.

5 years old

• must attend a school or home education
• can go and see a U or PG movie
• can have bank/building society account in own name
• can have premium bonds in their own name

• Can draw money from Post Office or savings account

• Can be criminally responsible but cannot be prosecuted for an offence

To hold a licence to drive a moped you have to be 16 years old. To hold a licence for a car you have to be 17 years old, unless you are getting or have applied for the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in which case the minimum age is 16. To ride a motorcycle you have to be 17 years old.

The child must be at least 13 years old and then there are strict restrictions on the hours the child can work. These restrictions can be varied by local by-laws to a certain degree. Such by-laws would for instance vary the types of trades and occupations the child may undertake depending on the age or sex of the child. It is possible that the local authority will have a by-law, which states that children under 13 can do light agricultural and horticultural work for their parents or guardians. To see if any such by-laws exist in your area contact your local authority.

However, the child must not work:

• Before 0700hrs and after 1900hrs on a school day;
• During school hours;
• For more than two hours on a school day;
• For more than 12 hours during a school week (1 hour between 7 am and 8:30 am and 1 hour between the end of school and 7 pm or 2 hours between the end of school and 7 pm);
• For more than 2 hours on a Sunday (between 7 am and 11 am);
• For more than 5 hours a day if he is under 15 years old on any day that is not a school day and not a Sunday (Saturday and school holidays);
• For more than 8 hours a day if he is over 15 years old and over on any day that is not a school day and not a Sunday (Saturday and school holidays);
• For more than 35 hours in a week if he is aged 15 and over; or
• For not more than 25 hours in a week if he is under 15; and
• He must have at least two consecutive weeks off in any year during which he does not work and is not at school.

There is no official age when you can leave home. As long as you can show that you are living in accommodation that provides a safe environment (e.g. you are not at risk from drugs prostitution violence etc.) and you have a stable respectable method of supporting yourself financially, there are no legal barriers to leaving home at 16 years or older. If you are under 16, your parents or carers have a responsibility to keep you safe and they could possibly get a court order to make you return home or into care. If you are aged 17, then this is still possible, subject to all the surrounding circumstances.

If you just run away you could be in terrible danger. There could be consequences for young people who leave home and get into the wrong company. Making the wrong move could ruin your life.

Remember it is NOT what you judge to be a safe environment but what the people/authorities responsible for your welfare think is safe. You should try and do this with their blessing if possible.

If there is a serious underlying problem at home, talk to someone else, a teacher, a trusted adult relation or contact the charity Childline on 0800 1111 (or go to their website at www.childline.org.uk).

Do not act in haste, get as much advice and help as you can before you decide what to do.