WO deaf sisters from Herefordshire who sexually abused a young boy over a period of 10 years have escaped immediate prison sentences after a judge said their condition would make them completely isolated in jail.

Their suspended sentences were given despite a statement to the court from their victim saying the sexual assaults had a profound effect on him, leaving him with flashbacks and nightmares.

Julie Fellows, aged 30, of Llewellin Road, Kington - now pregnant after earlier suffering a stillbirth - who engaged in sexual activity with the boy from when he was six until he was a teenager, could have faced six years or more in jail for her offences.

But, instead, Judge Robert Juckes QC gave her two years, suspended for 24 months, during which time she will be under the supervision of the probation service.

Sister Jennifer, aged 32, of Hatton Gardens, Kington, now mother of a three-year-old son, abused the same victim and was given a one-year sentence, suspended for 12 months.

Both women have been ordered to attend a specified activity programme for 30 days, to include work to tackle their sexual offending and victim empathy.

Julie, who denied indecent assault and sexual activity with a child but was found guilty by a jury, was also told to pay 1,000 towards costs.

Worcester Crown Court had heard that she ended up having full sex with the boy when he was about 15 at the home she then shared with her boyfriend, although Judge Juckes said there was genuine affection between them.

Jennifer, who admitted gross indecency with a child and inciting the boy to engage in sexual activity, was ordered to pay 250 costs.

The pair, who were both teenagers when they began abusing the boy, are now on the sexual offenders register.

Originally Posted By aaron501⏩