MOTHER'S AGONY OVER PHONE SEX VIDEO
A mother in Mitchelstown broke down and cried this week as she told The Avondhu of the claimed ordeal that her son and her family has gone through at the hands of older children in their neighbourhood.
The incident, where it is alleged that the two young boys were forced to perform sex acts which were captured on a mobile phone, occurred, it is claimed, over five weeks ago in a housing estate in the town.
“It was about 6.30pm in the afternoon and my son was playing with his friend outside. Later on that evening another mother and neighbour came to me to say that they had seen video of my son and his friend which was taken by some older boys,” the victims’ mother said. The child’s mother then contacted the Gardai.
“They (the gardai) arrived and took statements and, after that, I took him to the doctor and the health nurse. Then, two specialist guards came from Cork but, since then, we heard nothing until I saw the report on TV3 this week. I am not happy about this as the gardai asked us not to speak to the press when it all happened,” the victims’ mother said.
The woman also confirmed that she has contacted Cork County Council with a view to moving to another area.
“I am afraid to let my son out to play, this isn’t the first time we have had problems here. I have to move my family out of the area because we don’t feel safe here,” she told The Avondhu.
A member of the gardai in Mitchelstown confirmed to The Avondhu that they are investigating the allegations that the two young boys were forced to perform sex acts.
The boys, aged four and five were, it is alleged, forced to perform the acts by older boys, aged between 11 and 12. A Garda spokesperson said that they could not comment, but that investigations were ongoing.
The Health Service Authority (HSE) has also been notified and is offering support to the victims and their families. The Gardai have yet to interview the two older children but have seized mobile phones belonging to them. Gardai are also checking if any of the offending videos may have been sent to other people.
While no one has yet been charged in relation to these allegations, it will be up to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to decide if any charges can be brought because of the ages of the children involved. Under current legislation no charges can be brought against minors under the age of 14 unless by direction of the DPP.
Published:
Thursday 20th August 7:22pm
