Boy admits rape and assaults on children.

A 14-YEAR-OLD boy has been detained in a secure psychiatric unit after admitting the rape and sexual assaults of three children in his family.

The teenager appeared at Teesside Crown Court yesterday to be sentenced for crimes against two six-year-old boys and an older girl in her teens.

The youth pleaded guilty to two charges of rape of a child under 13, two of causing or inciting a child under 13 into sexual activity, three of sexual assault of a child under 13, and one of sexual activity with a child.

Prosecutor Christine Egerton explained how the majority of the attacks, including the two rape charges, were carried out on the defendant's six-year-old brother and six-year-old cousin.

The Middlesbrough youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also committed one offence against a cousin, a girl two years older than himself.

Family members sobbed in the public gallery as the list of offences were detailed.

Consultant forensic psychiatrist, Dr Surya Bhat, gave evidence saying: "The child suffered from mental disorders including Asperger's Syndrome, and ADHD, for which he was being treated."

The doctor added that he would take responsibility for the child under the Mental Health Act, meaning the youth would only be released when he felt it was appropriate.

The Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox QC, agreed to detain the youth under section 37 of the Mental Health Act.

"I am not making any other order in this case," said the Judge.

"It is important that you have had and I trust you will continue to have, the support of your father who I am glad to see standing by you and your mother who I understand sees you regularly. I'm sure they will continue to give you their love and support."