13/02/2009

No Police Action Over 'Baby-Faced' Dad

Sussex Police have said there are no plans to pursue prosecutions after it came to light that a 13-year-old boy had fathered a child with his 15-year-old 'girlfriend'.

The force's Child Protection Team said it was aware that a 14-year-old girl had become pregnant as the result of a relationship with a 12-year-old boy, last year.

Alfie Patten, now 13, was on the front page of a national newspaper today, pictured with his daughter Maisie, who was born four days ago to teenage mother Chantelle Steadman.

Police said: "A joint agency investigation with East Sussex County Council Children's Services has taken place which has considered the needs of both individuals and there will be continued support for these two young people in the future."

A spokeswoman for the force said it was "not in anyone's interests" for a prosecution to take place.

East Sussex County Council also issued a statement: "Any birth to parents this young is a cause of great concern to us and in these circumstances we will always offer substantial support to the families involved."

"We have worked closely with both families since the pregnancy came to light," added Director Matt Dunkley.

Four foot tall Alfie, who looks remarkably young for his age, said he "thought it would be good to have a baby".

His father Dennis defended the minor, saying: "He could have shrugged his shoulders and sat at home on his Playstation. But he has been at the hospital every day."

Both families have kept a low profile from the growing media attention today.

(PR/JM)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

05 October 2010
Two Arrested Over Hastings Pier Blaze
As firefighters continue to battle the blaze on Hastings pier in East Sussex, two men have been arrested on suspicion of arson. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, who spent most of the night trying to control the fire, said around 95% of the Victorian pier has been destroyed. There are no reports of any injuries.
13 November 2012
Ex-Bishop and Former Priest Arrested In Abuse Investigation
A former Church of England bishop and a retired priest have been arrested on suspicion of sex abuse. The Right Reverend Peter Ball, a former bishop of Lewes and Gloucester, is being held on suspicion of abusing eight boys and men in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was arrested at his home near Langport, Somerset.
07 May 2004
Scottish police forces to investigate series of linked murders
Scottish police have confirmed that three forces will team up to investigate the murders of seven young women. Detectives believe that the series of murders, which took place over a four-year period from 1977 to 1980, are related.
06 September 2010
Golf Course Body 'Had Head Injury'
The young man whose body was found badly burnt on a Brighton golf course, died from a head injury, a post-mortem has revealed. The body of the man, who was in his late teens or early twenties, was found between the 17th and 18th holes at the Dyke Golf club on the outskirts of Brighton, just before midday on Saturday.
13 November 2003
Teen stabbed during school assault
A 14-year-old boy has been taken to hospital today after being stabbed at school. The teenage pupil suffered knife wounds this morning during an assault at Longhill School in Rottingdean, Brighton. A 15-year-old boy was arrested and questioned by police over the incident.