Praise for abused boys who gave ‘harrowing evidence’ in Liam Fee case

By The Press Association6th July 2016News ScotlandChild Abuse, Childrens Services, Fife, Liam Fee, News Scotland

Police have commended two boys who suffered horrific abuse at the hands of the women who murdered toddler Liam Fee.

Detective Inspector Rory Hamilton, who led the investigation, said the life sentences handed down to Rachel Trelfa or Fee, 31, and her partner Nyomi Fee, 29, reflect the seriousness of their crimes.

Harrowing evidence given by the two boys in a series of lengthy video interviews was crucial to securing the convictions.

Child protection charity NSPCC said the boys will need “support, stability and love to help them come to terms with their experiences”, and it called for a thorough review of the case to prevent other children being abused.

The jury heard the youngsters were denied access to the toilet and then forced to take cold showers when they wet the bed.

One was imprisoned in a home-made cage, and another was tied naked to a chair in a dark room where snakes and rats were kept and told that a boa constrictor ate naughty boys.

Mr Hamilton said: “The thoughts of all those connected to our investigation remain with Liam’s wider family and those who knew him during his short life.

“The sentences today reflect the seriousness of the crimes committed by Rachel and Nyomi Fee.

“They also reflect the joint commitment of Police Scotland and partners to bring to justice those who commit acts of violence against the most vulnerable in our communities.

“I would again commend the two young boys whose evidence played such a vital part in securing the convictions and bringing their abusers, and the women who murdered Liam, to justice.”

Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, lead officer for Major Crime and Public Protection, said: “Police Scotland is committed to protecting those who are at risk of abuse and violence in our communities and to working with our partners to ensure child protection is a priority.

“We will work with our child protection partners to ensure that the Significant Case Review identifies any recommendations which can be taken forward to ensure communities have the utmost confidence in protective and welfare services.”

Matt Forde of NSPCC Scotland said: “Those responsible for Liam’s brutal murder have quite rightly received long jail terms.

“It is incomprehensible how two people who were meant to look after the children in their care could subject them to such appalling abuse.

“They chose to murder a defenceless child in the most horrific way, abuse other children and shamefully attempted to shift the blame for Liam’s death on to another child.

“Details of the horrendous abuse this couple inflicted on Liam and the other children were shocking to hear and the sentences passed today reflect the brutality of their crimes.

“Fife Child Protection Committee has already begun a Significant Case Review into this case and it is vital that the investigation is carried out thoroughly so action can be taken to prevent other children from suffering as Liam did before his murder, his short life scarred by neglect, abuse and violence.”