Child abuse men jailed
Child abuse men jailed
By Tony Gardner
Published on Tuesday 15 May 2012 08:46
An investigation has been launched by police and council bosses after a father and son sexually abused two young children placed in the family’s care.
The men were jailed yesterday at Leeds Crown Court after both pleaded guilty to systematically attacking the youngsters.
Now police and social services bosses are trying to establish whether any other children looked after by the family might have fallen prey to the men.
The court was told the father and son were arrested after police raided their home and found computer and camera images of one of the children being abused.
The father had been a registered foster carer for several years at the time of the arrest, the court was told.
After his arrest he told police the abuse had begun after he took indecent pictures of one of the children.
The son told officers he began abusing the children after discovering the images his father had taken.
Police later discovered the son had visited chatroom websites where he had discussed his child abuse fantasies and made a vile comment about Madeleine McCann.
Jon Gregg, prosecuting, said both children had suffered psychologically as a result of the abuse.
The father admitted a number of sex offences against children including four offences of rape of a child, two of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one of making indecent images of a child. He was jailed for 10 years and eight months.
The son pleaded guilty to four offences of sexual activity with a child, five of sexual assault of a child and two of making indecent photographs of a child.
He was given an indeterminate prison after a report into his behaviour stated that he had “uncontrollable urges” towards children.
He was told he must serve a minimum of two years and four months before he a can apply for release. The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC, warned him that he is likely to spend much longer in prison.
Both men were ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.
West Yorkshire Police are now liaising with Leeds City Council’s social care service to establish whether there were any further offences.
Det Sgt Nick Hamer, of the child and public protection unit, said: “Both these men were responsible for a sickening catalogue of abuse against two vulnerable children who they exploited for the men’s own sexual gratification.”
Steve Walker, deputy director of children’s services for Leeds City Council said: “This is a very distressing case. We have made every effort to contact the other children and young people who we know were fostered by this man. Our inquires to date have revealed no further allegations.
“As a foster carer this man was subjected to the very clear process of checks and assessments set out nationally. He was also subjected to regular monitoring. However, this case highlights that despite rigorous checks being in place there are individuals determined to commit offences against children, so professionals must always be vigilant.”
Jane Held, chair of the Leeds Safeguarding Children Board, said: “This was a deeply upsetting situation for the victims and all the professionals involved. We are satisfied that West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council acted promptly, decisively and appropriately as soon as they became aware of it.”