PENNY DOUGLAS

EVIL SECRET OF "BOY-OBSESSED" MUM A woman accused of carrying on a forbidden relationship with an 11-year-old schoolboy was dramatically convicted after a sensational court battle that horrified parents across Derbyshire.

Penny Douglas, a mother-of-two from Spondon, denied ever having sexual contact with the child — insisting she only saw him "as a younger brother." But prosecutors told jurors the truth behind closed doors was far more disturbing.

The court heard claims that Douglas showered the youngster with attention after splitting from her boyfriend, with witnesses alleging the relationship quickly became dangerously inappropriate.

Jurors were told the boy was just 11 when the alleged abuse began, continuing over a lengthy period before the accusations finally exploded into public view.

Throughout the tense trial, Douglas fought to clear her name.

She branded the allegations "lies" and claimed the youngster's family had turned against her.

But emotional testimony fro witnesses and police interviews painted a chilli picture for the jury.

One of the most dramatic moments came wher the boy's mother tearfully described learning what had allegedly happened.

Another witness claimed to have seen the pair together in suspicious circumstances.

Prosecutors argued Douglas had manipulated the vulnerable youngster, while the defence insisted there was no credible proof of a sexual relationship.

After hours of deliberation, jurors returned guilty verdicts on indecent assault charges involving the child.

The judge warned Douglas she faced prison, condemning the offences as extremely serious because of the victim's young age.

News of the conviction spread rapidly, leaving neighbours stunned that such shocking allegations could emerge from an apparently ordinary suburban home.