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.

Tags: Andrew Flanagan, Doncaster, Edlington, NSPCC

Andrew Flanagan, Chief Executive of the NSPCC said:

“The brutal death of Baby Peter and the rape of a two-year-old girl are among the most heinous crimes against small children we have ever seen. They leave all decent people bewildered and revolted.

“Thankfully, those responsible have been convicted. Hopefully they will receive severe prison sentences which will keep them away from children for a very long time.”

“The violence, neglect and sexual brutality inflicted on these babies cuts deep into all our hearts – what happened to them is the stuff of nightmares. But tragically it is not unique.”

A child under five is killed by a parent or carer at least once every ten days.1 The police hear of a sexual crime against a baby or toddler more than three times a day. There were 1339 sex crimes against children under five reported to police forces in England and Wales in 2007-08.2

The NSPCC is calling on the UK Government to collect and publish annual data from police forces showing the number and ages of sex abuse victims and to link this with the number of convictions, and other penalties, resulting from the recorded offences. This data should form the basis of a better national strategy to prevent abuse and develop local services for sexually abused children.

Andrew Flanagan continued: “It is all too common for babies and toddlers to be abused behind closed doors and out of sight. While it is difficult or impossible for very young children to speak out, neighbours, relatives and family friends can often be the eyes and ears which protect a child. Sadly, our helpline hears heartrending stories of child cruelty every day of the week.

“The NSPCC’s Helpline – 0808 800 5000 – is there 24 hours a day if anyone has concerns about a child. Call us. Don’t wait because you are not sure. Any delay can cost a child’s life.”

Over the next three years the NSPCC plans to grow the Helpline and the ChildLine service – the UK’s free, 24-hour helpline for children in danger or distress so that it can protect more children, through the Child’s Voice Appeal.

If you have any concerns about a child’s welfare you can ring the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk

Tags: Andrew Flanagan, Baby P, Charities, NSPCC