**Parents Speak Out After Teen Convicted of Sexually Assaulting Four Primary School Boys Walks Free**
Two mothers, whose sons were amongst four primary school boys sexually abused over several months by a 13-year-old, have spoken publicly about the devastating impact the case has had on their families – and their outrage at the youth justice system which they say has failed them.
Kate and Sally, not their real names, shared their shocking story in hopes of increasing public awareness about the profound difficulties facing child victims in the youth justice system. Both have called for reforms, including tougher sentencing for young sex offenders and stronger support for families navigating such trauma.
“It all came out when I said his name – and my son broke down sobbing,” Kate recalled. Her young son disclosed the abuse one heart-wrenching evening, revealing a period lasting more than a year during which a teenage boy subjected him, and three others of similar age, to rape and sexual assault. Due to their ages and legal restrictions, all names have been altered.
The sense of powerlessness for parents is palpable. Sally, mother to another of the victims, said, “They have been robbed of their innocence.” Both parents are dismayed that after long months awaiting justice, the abuser – later convicted in youth court – was allowed to return home with an 18-month rehabilitation order rather than serving a custodial sentence. The judiciary declined to comment on the court’s rationale, while the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that such convictions from the Youth Court cannot be appealed.
Beyond individual anguish, this case sheds light on wider flaws in the youth justice process. Kate and Sally told how their sons endured nearly two years without being able to discuss the abuse openly in counselling – a measure taken to avoid impacting the criminal proceedings. Although some therapeutic support was provided, it was limited to emotion management rather than allowing the children to process or recount details of the abuse itself.
The emotional toll has been severe. According to Kate, “To tell a child who has just suffered this ordeal that they can’t talk about it for nearly two years is unthinkable.” Both mothers described sharp declines in their sons’ mental health, compounded by bullying at school and the long delay before the trial went ahead.
The impact extends to everyday life and home. One boy no longer feels able to live with his mother, the home itself having become a reminder of his trauma. “He couldn’t cope – he’s now living with his grandmother,” Kate explained. Meanwhile, Sally’s son switched schools to escape constant reminders and harassment.
When the case eventually reached court, both children gave evidence via video link. The perpetrator, by then 15, was convicted of two counts of attempted rape, two counts of rape, and three charges of non-penetrative sexual activity. The sentence handed down – an 18-month youth rehabilitation order and 30 months on the sex offender register – has left the families feeling betrayed by the system. “He walks free, and our boys continue to carry these scars,” said Sally.
Neither family was granted the opportunity to present their victim statements in person. Hopes for a restraining or non-molestation order were also dashed. The families remain concerned about the lack of restrictions on their sons’ abuser – they are not even permitted to know his whereabouts owing to his age and legal rights.
Reflecting on the ordeal, both mothers argue that the system appears more focused on rehabilitating the youth offender than protecting victims or meeting their needs. “From start to finish, it’s been about what is best for the perpetrator,” Sally said, stating a sentiment echoed by many families caught up in the criminal justice process.
Despite the trauma and sense of injustice, Kate and Sally are determined that their painful experience not go unheard. They urge other parents, lawmakers, and authorities to better recognise the psychological and social fallout for young victims and to commit to meaningful change in supporting and protecting children harmed by sexual abuse.
For confidential support and information, ChildLine is available 24 hours a day on 0800 1111 for young people under 19 affected by abuse or needing someone to speak to.