More vigilance needed in childcare

David Cullen, of Blackbird Leys, Oxford, was sentenced to life imprisonment after admitting 28 charges against five boys, including rape and sexual assault. However, the 48-year-old will be eligible for parole in 10 years time. Cullen, who appeared before Oxford Crown Court on Wednesday, also admitted making and distributing indecent child images. Those he molested were aged between nine and 13.

In 1996, the former football referee was convicted of molesting a 12-year-old and added to the Sex Offenders Register. He was arrested again in 2006, and charged with the indecent assault of an 11-year-old, but was released on bail when the judge said he had reached the time limit defendants could be held on remand.

Sallie Booth from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: "This case highlights the need for greater controls for people who are entrusted to work closely with our children, often in positions of trust. Those who are unscrupulous can take easy advantage of their positions. As well as regulatory control, we as parents must be vigilant for the safety and security of our young people."