NSPCC response to the Edlington case

The case of the two brothers who brutally attacked two other young boys in Edlington, near Doncaster, in April 2009 ended today. The brothers pleaded guilty to charges of grievous bodily harm with intent, robbery and forcing children to engage in sexual activities. They were given an indeterminate custodial sentence, with a minimum term of five years. We have issued the following statement from Andrew Flanagan in response to the convictions:

“This country has not seen such acts of schoolboy savagery for many years. The violent and sadistic tendencies of these brothers grew unchecked over several years – leaving destruction and despair in their wake.

“The case raises serious questions about how children can be left to drift in homes seriously damaged by violence and neglect. Where families cannot give their children a decent start in life, the authorities need to act swiftly and robustly – both for their sake and the rest of society.”

Read about the Edlington case on the BBC website or The Times.