A 13-year-old schoolboy launched a shocking spree of four attacks on the streets of Telford over winter. Despite victims desperately trying to fend him off, he kept coming back. The severity of his crimes is jaw-dropping — yet he won’t spend a day behind bars. The controversial ruling has sparked outrage.
Judge Baffled by Teen’s Motive
At sentencing, the judge admitted he was puzzled by the boy’s actions, calling the case “very, very difficult”. “I had to balance what a 13-year-old needs and what society demands when people are seriously accosted in the street,” he explained. Had this been an adult, he said, the sentence would’ve been around nine years in jail.
But sending a child to custody only means release in 18 months — without tackling the root causes of his behaviour.
Youth Rehabilitation Order Replaces Jail
Instead of jail, the boy received a 30-month youth rehabilitation order with supervision. He’s also been ordered to attend a special therapeutic programme to rewrite his disturbing views on sexual intimacy — said to be the driving force behind the attacks.
The judge noted the boy’s family life was “relatively normal”. The teenager claimed he acted “out of anger and low mood” and denied seeking sexual gratification.
Victims and Families Left Furious
The decision has sparked outrage among victims and their families. Many feel justice has not been served, fearing the boy’s dangerous behaviour may continue unchecked.
