Uncle remanded over toddler death

A man has appeared in court charged with the rape and murder of his niece who was found dead in her bedroom. I don't like to say I told you so about anything, but this was to be found on the BBC after 2 year old Casey Mullen was found dead at her home in Oak Tree Crescent, Gipton, Leeds, on 11 February following a disturbance outside the house. Two men, believed to be Casey's 20-year-old father and his 19-yearold brother Lee, initially arrested.

"Her uncle, Michael Patrick Mullen, 21, of Lawrence Road, Gipton, appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Thursday. No application for bail was made and no pleas were entered. He was remanded in custody to appear again on 21 February. Mr Mullen, slim with short black hair and wearing a grey jumper, stood in the dock with two security guards as the charges were read to him. He spoke only to confirm his name, age, address and that he understood the charges during a 10-minute hearing in front of District Judge Christopher Darnton. The judge initially banned the child from being identified but this ban was lifted after representations from the media."

This child was raped and suffocated according to reports thus far. We need to widen the focus of Sarah's law and acknowledge that the predatory paedophile is far from the greatest risk to our children, her family were known to the local authority although there is nothing to suggest any agency had regular involvement.