Teen committed rape days after sex assault conviction

A teenager who raped a five-year-old boy days after being spared custody for a sex assault on another youngster was locked up for almost three years yesterday.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, attacked the child eight days after escaping a custodial sentence for the rape of a seven-year-old boy, Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, heard. The original sentence prompted a legal challenge by the police that it was unduly lenient.

Days later the boy, described by police as acting like a "sexual predator", carried out the second attack.

In 2006, then 13, he had carried out a sex attack on a boy of six, inciting him to sexual activity. He was acquitted of the offence in 2007 but later admitted he had carried out the attack.

He has been jailed indefinitely, with Judge Peter Lakin ordering he must serve a minimum of two years, 359 days before he can be considered for parole and released only when he is no longer considered a danger.