RAPE ranks among the most abhorrent crimes in society.

The effect on the victim can be absolutely devastating and the scars lifelong.

The fact the boy convicted this week of a rape in Keighley, and his victim, were both just 15 at the time of the offence makes this crime all the more shocking.

There may, then, be sympathy among some for Councillor Brian Morris’ demands anyone convicted of the offence should be chemically castrated.

While nobody could possibly defend the actions of a rapist, surely in today’s so-called civilised society such drastic measures should be consigned to history.

There has to be hope of rehabilitation in one so young. To consign him to such final action seems positively medieval.

Irrespective of the sentence eventually imposed on the perpetrator, however, above all let us hope his victim is given every possible help and support to try to come to terms with what has happened in an attempt to rebuild her life.