Teenage attacker behind bars after second child rape

A teenage sex attacker who raped a five-year-old boy days after being spared a custodial sentence for a previous attack was locked up for almost three years today.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to a catalogue of abuse against the five-year-old, including rape and child abduction.

The attack happened eight days after he was given a three-year community order on 26 June for the rape of a seven-year-old boy in Tameside, Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court heard.

The original sentence handed down by Judge Adrian Smith provoked outcry from the victim's family at the time and a legal challenge.

The boy was detained indefinitely for the public's protection for a minimum of two years and 359 days before being considered for parole.

Judge Peter Lakin told him: "The offences you have committed are deeply disturbing and very serious.

"You are a devious and manipulative young man with an unhealthy and completely unacceptable sexual interest in young boys.

"It is likely you will not be released for some very considerable period of time."

Judge Lakin added: "On June 26th of this year you were made subject to a community rehabilitation order for a period of three years for sexual offences against a boy aged only seven.

"Eight days later you committed this appalling offence against a boy aged only five.

"You lured him to your home and once inside, in a planned and calculated way, you cynically took advantage of this young boy. You took away his innocence. What you did has had a devastating effect upon the boy and his family. "

The judge said the youngster had "regressed" emotionally and had to undergo an HIV test, the attack causing serious psychological harm to the youngster. He said it was "highly unusual" for a court to categorise a 16-year-old as a danger to the public but in this case it was merited.

"I have to say I have absolutely no hesitation whatsoever in reaching the conclusion that you are indeed a dangerous offender."

The youngster was sentenced to three years four months but with time already spent in custody taken into consideration he will serve two years, 359 days before he is assessed as being safe enough to release back into the community.

Judge Lakin also revoked the community rehabilitation order passed by Judge Adrian Smith eight days before the defendant carried out the second attack. He was resentenced for the two earlier offences of rape and causing a child to engage in sexual activity and again given a minimum of two years, 359 days as a minimum term before parole.

He was also banned from working with children and placed on the Sex Offenders Register.