Eleven-year-old boy sentenced for raping his younger sister twice in shocking court case

AN ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy who sexually assaulted his nine-year-old sister is believed to be Britain's youngest ever rapist.

The lad, now 12, was sentenced today after being convicted of raping of his sibling on February 26 and March 8 this year.

The attacks were not described in detail but the court said he ejaculated on at least one occasion and that it was an “aggravating factor”.

The boy, who is from Plymouth in Devon but now lives in Cornwall, was found with images on his mobile phone following the assaults.

He was sentenced at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court today to a 12-month intensive referral order and was put on the sex offenders’ register for two–and-a-half years.

He will work with experts to improve his behaviour and will also be supervised using the internet.

The youngster was told by judge Diane Baker "I know a lot about what has happened in your life and your mum's life in the past and the difficulties you faced and the confusion you face now about how you wish to lead your life.

"But what you did was so serious and so damaging to your little sister.

"She was nine-years-old - she does not understand about those things and you hurt her so seriously that that will last with her for the whole of her life.

"If you were older, I'm telling you now you would be serving a sentence of detention - that's like prison. But you were only 11."

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was supported by his mother and foster mother.

His mother said she was happy he was getting the help and support needed.

Judge Baker also said that she wanted social services to make sure the boy had access to "male influences in his life".

She said to him: "Do you promise me that you're going to work with everybody and this is not going to happen again? How do you feel about going back to school?"

The boy, who spoke in a quiet, mumbled tone, replied: "I'm happy to go back to school and make friends."

The judge added: "I know it must be tough for you not to see your brothers and sisters but that's going to have to remain until it's safe."

She told him he would have to carry out the intensive referral order or come back to court.

She asked him: "If you don't do it, what do you think will happen?" The boy - who had to be told to speak up by the judge - replied: "I don't know."

The judge said: "They will say you will have to go back in front of Judge Baker - and that's me.

"I need to know what's happening with this order and I need to know your behaviour is improving."

Prosecuting, barrister Emily Pitts had earlier told the judge: "I don't know how much detail you require from me.

"It is such a distressing case for all those involved."

Jodie Leonard, defending, said: "He is due to start at school again - I asked him how he is getting on. He is working really hard."

An NSPCC spokesman said: “This is a horrific and tragic case which must have caused tremendous difficulties within the family involved.

“Support must now be provided to help the victim in this case. Abuse can ruin childhoods and have a lasting impact into adulthood without the right help.

"The boy responsible must also receive help to ensure there is no repeat of the offences he carried out against another child.

“Any adult concerned about the welfare of  a child can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. Meanwhile, children can contact ChildLine 24/7 on 0800 1111 for confidential advice.”

Previously Britain's youngest convicted rapist was a boy from Bolton, Greater Manchester, who attacked two girls a couple of months before he turned 12 in 2012.

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