Dominic Grieve warned that children are being put at risk after it was revealed that one in twelve adults convicted of rape, or the attempted rape, of a child received a suspended or community sentence.

Figures released by the Ministry of Justice show that in 2007 four people were given community sentences and two, suspended sentences for the rape or attempted rape of a child under 13.

This amounts to nearly 10 per cent of those convicted of the offence, despite sentencing guidelines specifying adult child rapists should receive ?a substantial term of imprisonment?.

Dominic, the Shadow Justice Secretary, stressed, ?It is hard to think of any circumstances where an adult who rapes a young child should avoid jail.?

And he warned, ?Labour have pressurised judges to use community sentences inappropriately because the prisons are full, but the result is that dangerous offenders cheat justice and children are put at risk.?