Bullies may face custody

Four teenagers who yesterday pleaded guilty to harassing the schoolgirl Kelly Yeomans - who later took her own life - may face a custodial sentence.

The four 17-year-old boys, who cannot be named, pleaded guilty before Derby Youth Court to intentional harassment between September 1 and September 27. A fifth youth, aged 13, also pleaded guilty to an identical charge.

John Gregory, chairman of the bench, said the charges were too serious to be dealt with by a fine. The youths were bailed to reappear for sentencing in March. "We are not ruling out custodial sentences in respect of the four older boys."

The court was told the youths mockingly referred to her family as the Slowman and harangued them because they were unemployed and belonged to the Salvation Army. After one occasion of abuse, Kelly told her mother: "I've had enough - I'm going to take an overdose."

Kelly, 13, from Derby, who was also bullied at school, was found dead last September in her bedroom.

A bottle of painkillers was found at her side. An inquest into her death has been opened and adjourned.

Speaking yesterday, Kelly's father Ivan Yeomans, said: "I just hope these kids have learnt a lesson ... my daughter has gone for good and whatever they get they will be coming back to their parents. But I will never see Kelly again."