Brothers admit to 'horror' attacks on boys

Two young brothers who tortured a nine-year-old and an 11-year-old boy in a series of brutal assaults today admitted the "horror" attacks.

In a crime with chilling echoes of the James Bulger case, the elder victim pleaded to be left to die after his ordeal at the hands of the brothers, who were aged 10 and 11 at the time.

Today, at Sheffield Crown Court, the brothers admitted causing their victims grievous bodily harm with intent.

They denied a more serious charge of attempted murder but the prosecution accepted their pleas and said there will be no trial.

The brothers were arrested on April 4 after the nine-year-old boy was found wandering in the former pit village covered in blood and his 11-year-old uncle was discovered unconscious in a nearby wooded ravine. Both the injured boys have since been released from hospital.

The brothers have also each pleaded guilty to robbing one of the boys of a mobile phone and the other of cash. They also admitted two counts of intentionally causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Due to the boys' ages, special measures were put in place to make sure they did not feel intimidated. The court was cleared as the brothers were brought in and the judge and barristers did not wear gowns and wigs.

The pair were allowed to sit at the back of the court, rather than in the dock, with social workers next to them to help explain the proceedings and answer any questions.

Mr Justice Keith told the brothers they could remain seated as they entered their pleas. The boys both followed the charges on a charge sheet in front of them as the clerk read out the details.