article_snippet: ’s was over the legal limit and was taken to a police station, where ’s was detained for more than seven hours overnight.
article_snippet: ’s was 17 and had been treated as an adult
article_snippet: The previous age limit was 16.
article_snippet: ‘The fact that a 17-year-old is treated as an adult while in custody is an anomaly of British law.
article_snippet: For someone of any age, being held and charged in a police station is a traumatic experience.
article_snippet: ‘Few 17-year-olds could make a rational judgement about contacting family or legal advice in that situation without support.
article_snippet: For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 08457 909090, visit a local Samaritans branch or go to www.samaritans.org.