Teenage boy abuses carers' children

Vale of Glamorgan Council has admitted a "serious error of judgment" over the case involving the youth, who was placed with the family despite having a history of sexual behaviour involving children.

The teenager, who was housed with the family under the council's Adult Placement Service, has been given an indeterminate sentence of imprisonment for public protection after admitting raping one child and assaulting another.

The council said it deeply regrets the distress and harm caused to the family.

Director of social services Phil Evans said: "Although the inquiry is still at an early stage, it has become clear that there was a serious error of judgment in placing the young man in this family."

Allegations about the teenager's sexual behaviour were first made in 2004, when it was claimed he acted in a sexually inappropriate way to another boy. In 2005, he is said to have sexually touched a boy while they were both living at a hostel in England and last year he allegedly sexually assaulted a 16-year-old while they were staying in the same hostel.

Despite this, he was sent to live with the couple and their children.

The teenager, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the family's children, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday after admitting rape and sexual assault. He must serve a minimum term of six years before he can be considered for release.

Judge Nicholas Cooke QC, Recorder of Cardiff, said the case was a tragedy for the couple, whose only wish was to serve the community by helping the teenager.

Mr Evans said senior managers from the council's social services department have met the couple to apologise and offer support.