Teenager raped boy after judge set him free

A teenager who raped a five-year-old boy days after being allowed to go free after a previous attack, was locked up for an indeterminate period today.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to a catalogue of abuse against the five-year-old victim, including rape and child abduction.

The attack happened just eight days after he was given a three-year community order in June for the rape of a seven-year-old boy in Tameside, east of Manchester.

The original sentence provoked outcry from the victim's family at the time and a legal challenge.

At Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court on Wednesday, the teenager was detained indefinitely for the public's protection with a minimum sentence at least three years, the Press Association reported.

"The offences you have committed are deeply disturbing and very serious," Judge Peter Lakin told him.

"You are a devious and manipulative young man with an unhealthy and completely unacceptable sexual interest in young boys. It is likely you will not be released for some very considerable period of time."

The judge said the youth had lured the five-year-old boy to his home and attacked him.

"You took away his innocence. What you did has had a devastating effect upon the boy and his family," he said.

The judge said the youngster had regressed emotionally and had had to undergo an HIV test. He added it was highly unusual for a court to categorise a 16-year-old as a danger to the public but in this case it was merited.

"I have to say I have absolutely no hesitation whatsoever in reaching the conclusion that you are indeed a dangerous offender," he said.