Youngest convicted sex offender not locked up for abusing 9-yr-old sister

A BOY of 11 is believed to be Britain’s youngest convicted rapist after twice abusing his nine-year-old sister.

The attacker, now 12, avoided a custodial sentence yesterday due to his young age.

Instead he was given a one-year referral order and put on the sex offenders’ register.

He admitted two counts of rape at his home on February 26 and March 8 this year. The boy, from Plymouth in Devon but now living in Cornwall, was supported in court by his mum and foster mother.

District Judge Diane Baker told him at Bodmin magistrates court: “I know a lot of what has happened in your life and your mum’s life. I know the difficulties you faced and your confusion now. But what you did was so damaging to your little sister.

“You hurt her so seriously it will be with her all her life. If you were older you’d serve a sentence of detention. That’s like prison. But you were only 11.” The court heard that the boy had “images” on his mobile phone.

Judge Baker asked him: “Do you promise you’ll work with everybody and this won’t happen again? How do you feel about going back to school?” He replied: “I’m happy to go back to school and make friends.”

The judge added: “I know it must be tough not to see your brothers and sisters but that has to remain till it’s safe.”