Agencies/London
Britain’s first youth crime commissioner has withdrawn from the role after it emerged she posted a string of offensive comments on Twitter.
Paris Brown, 17, was forced to apologise after appearing to use homophobic, racist and violent language in tweets posted before she took the job.
After police revealed they were investigating whether she had committed any offence , she announced she was not taking the one-year post.
“I have made the decision to decline the offer of the position of Kent youth police and crime commissioner,” she said.
“I have made this decision after a great deal of thought and consultation with my family.
“As I made clear over the weekend, I accept that I have made comments on social networking sites which have offended many people. I am really sorry for any offence caused. I strongly reiterate that I am not racist or homophobic. I have fallen into the trap of behaving with bravado on social networking sites. I hope this may stand as a learning experience for many other young people.”
She added that she felt the “recent media furore” would continue to hamper her ability to perform the job to the level required.
Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes said: “It is a very, very sad day.” She said Brown was “an extraordinary young person with exceptional skills and a proven track record with working with young people” who has “turned down the position of a lifetime.
“I was not recruiting a police officer. I was recruiting a young person, warts and all. It is personally sad for Paris and her family.”