FAMILY SHATTERED | 

Boy (15) who repeatedly raped ‘defenceless’ younger cousin jailed for 18 months

The Central Criminal Court heard how a happy extended family structure has now been shattered as a result of the teenager boy repeatedly sexually abusing his younger cousin

Today at 20:17

A teenager who repeatedly raped his “defenceless” younger cousin in their mutual grandparents’ house, fracturing extended family relationships, has received 18 months detention.

The Central Criminal Court heard how a happy extended family structure has now been shattered as a result of the teenager boy repeatedly sexually abusing his younger cousin – a previously fun child who idolised him and was carefree until his cousin “preyed” on him.

The now 15-year-old boy pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to two counts of raping his cousin on dates between June 2021 and November 2022 when he was aged between 13 and 14 and his victim was aged between seven and eight years’ old.

The pleas were entered on a full facts basis, with the court hearing the teenager sexually assaulted the boy on around 10 to 13 occasions during the time period. Neither child can be named to protect their anonymity.

In emotional victim impact statements previously read out in court, the boy’s parents outlined their devastation at discovering their nephew had been abusing their little boy and they described the difficulties he continues to face as a result.

The court also heard that the teenager himself is alleged to have been the victim of sexual offending while living with his mother. He is now living with his father and other family members who are supporting him in a more secure upbringing, defence counsel said.

Ms Justice Biggs said the aggravating features of the case were the “very significant breach of trust” in that the victim looked up to and idolised his older cousin.

She said the abuse occurred over a prolonged period of time and escalated in seriousness. She noted that the teenager had used “cartoons and video games as some sort of ploy” and told the victim “to act normal”.

Ms Justice Biggs said she would enact Section 151 of the Children Act, which allows for the imposition of a sentence that involves half of the term in detention and the remaining half under supervision.

She then imposed 18 months detention and ordered that the teenager be placed under 18 months supervision upon his ultimate release.

Ms Justice Biggs said the teenager must never have any further contact with the victim – either directly or indirectly. He was also placed on the sex offender’s register for ten years.