The latest victim's father, a 35-year old printer from Greater Manchester, said: 'Our son was abused not only by this lad but also in effect by the British legal system that was supposed to protect him.

'I always thought people who commit such serious offences like rape automatically go to prison - yet this boy was allowed to go free. He was even allowed back onto the estate where he lived.

'In my eyes if someone commits an adult or grown up crime then they should serve an adult or grown up sentence - not be molecoddled by the courts and told to get treatment.

'My son is six years old now but as a result of what happened his childhood innocence has probably been robbed. Heaven only knows what effect it will have in him in the years to come.

Perfect example of why the decision to prosecute is not and should not be left up to the victim/survivor.