During a packed meeting at the Labour Party conference Coaker said early intervention and prevention methods had to be explored, admitting the government has to do more to address crime and antisocial behaviour among children.
Sitting alongside Barry Mizen, the father of murdered teenager Jimmy, and members of grassroots campaign group Kids Count, Coaker said it was important the government challenges itself to look at ways of preventing children entering the criminal justice system.
He said: "Tough enforcement has to be a part of addressing these tragedies, but if we get to that stage we have failed. We need to have a serious discussion about what we mean by early intervention and be absolutely sure of what works and what does not."
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