Mother’s anger at outcome of rape allegation

Disgust: Plan to challenge lack of referral to children’s hearing over ‘horrific event’

A mother whose nine-year-old son was allegedly raped by an older school pupil has said she is “angry, shocked and disgusted” by a decision to take no further action by prosecutors.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she intended to challenge the decision by the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration.

She said she also plans to launch a campaign for more support for children and families who find themselves in a similar situation.

In February, Police Scotland confirmed it was investigating the reported rape of a nine-year-old in Tayside by a 12-year-old boy.

The force said specialist officers had been called in and were working with “a range of partners”.

However, according to the Evening Telegraph, the younger boy’s mum has now received a letter from the office of the Children’s Reporter which said: “The decision made by the Children’s Reporter is that the young person will engage with a relevant service in detailed work around the young person’ s offending behaviour.

“As the young person and their family have agreed to this course of action, the matter will not be referred to a children’s hearing.

“The Children’s Reporter recognised the impact of this offence on you and has not treated it less seriously by not arranging a hearing.”

The mother said: “I couldn’t believe it when I read the letter.

“My son has gone through a horrific event.

“Kids who have experienced deeply traumatic events, such as rape, should never be treated the way that my son has. “This is absolutely disgusting. “I’m not prepared to sit back and let this happen. “I plan to see how I can challenge this. “My son has suffered really badly. He has been deeply affected by what happened to him.

“My family has gone through hell. I feel that there is to be no justice for my son and the boy who did this is not even going to be punished.

“I have launched my campaign in a bid to get better protection and support for children who have suffered a trauma such as this.”

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration said :“We can not comment on individual cases.”