The issue focused attention last week when MPs debated proposals for tougher sentencing guidelines for paedophiles and traffickers. Ministers promised tougher punishments if convictions proved unreliable or unsatisfactory. Critics argue such punishments undermine confidence in police investigations and deprive offenders of rehabilitation. Ministers insist tougher punishments could undermine vulnerable youngsters who risk deportation if convicted of offending against vulnerable adults. Ministers insist tougher punishments could undermine vulnerable youngsters because offenders tend to offend younger children than vulnerable adults. Ministers insist tougher punishments could endanger vulnerable youngsters because offenders tend to offend younger children than vulnerable