Court Backs Decision to Use Pava 'Pepper' Spray on Young Offenders Near York

Court backs decision to use Pava 'pepper' spray on young offenders near York

The High Court has backed a decision for Pava spray - similar to pepper spray - to be used on children at a young offenders institution near York.

Pepper spray used on 10% of teens at young offender institutions

Exclusive Society Pepper spray used on 10% of teens at young offender institutions during trial A young offender institution. Photograph by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images Figures revealed after high court quashes appeal against rollout of Pava in YOIs on basis its use would be ‘extremely rare’ Lucas CumiskeyInvestigative reporter 19 January 2026 The children’s commissioner for England is “deeply concerned” by data obtained by Hyphen revealing th…