GIRL LEFT 'LIVING IN FEAR' AFTER ATTACK

Mum says justice system has let down victims as teens walk free

- ABBIE WIGHTWICK Education Editor [e-mail]

THE mother of a child viciously assaulted by two young girls has criticised their sentences as “too lenient” and says they should have been jailed.

She said her previously outgoing daughter was now “a prisoner in her own home, living in fear” and too scared to go out after being set upon by the pair.

The family, who live in Bridgend, have even considered moving to England to get away from the situation and are having to pay out £70 a week for private counselling to help the child cope with the trauma of being attacked.

“We feel completely let down. My daughter is living frightened,” her mother said.

“My daughter is not the same as she was. She used to be outgoing and going out. Now she stays in her room. She feels she is the one who has got the sentence.”

The attackers, both 14 and from the Bridgend area, but one of whom was 13 at the time of the offences, both pleaded guilty to one allegation each of blackmail, two allegations of actual bodily harm and two allegations of assault at Cardiff Youth Court.

The attacks on four victims took place between March 2 and 4 this year at Brynteg Comprehensive, Bridgend College, Pyle railway station and near to a leisure centre.

Appearing for sentencing separately at a hearing at Cardiff Youth Court on Tuesday, they were considered persistent offenders.

Both were warned that prison had been an option owing to the level of violence used. Instead, one received a referral order and the other a youth rehabilitation order

Restraining orders lasting for four years were also imposed, banning both attackers from contacting any of their four victims, including on social media, or going to their homes.

But the victim's mother said her daughter did not feel this protected her sufficiently.