Boy awarded holiday after tragedy

A boy whose mother was left disabled after an attack at their home is to get a paid holiday in recognition of the way he came to terms with the tragedy.

Jacob McHutcherson's mother, Joanne Pickering, suffered head injuries at her Shortstown home, Beds, in 2003.

The trip to Perran Sands, Cornwall, is being financed by Bedfordshire Police and a Child Victims of Crime charity.

The nine-year-old from Beeston is also invited to a special presentation at Kempton police headquarters on Tuesday.

Partner's suicide

Shortly after the incident on 30 May 2003 her partner Nero McHutcherson committed suicide.

Police said they were not seeking anyone else in connection with the inquiry.

Det Insp Nigel Stone, of the Child Protection Team, handed him tickets from the Child Victims of Crime charity for a weeks' holiday accommodation, which he will visit with Joanne, 34, and her support worker, Cheryl Day.

It means Jacob will be able to join in with activities including a professional soccer course, swimming and archery while Joanne, who has mobility problems and some paralysis, can relax and enjoy a break from home.

Det Insp Stone said: "Jacob has shown incredible determination and everyone involved in this case wanted to do something for him and his family.

"He was given a choice of various different holidays, including a break to Disneyland but, ultimately, it was his decision to have a break his mum could enjoy too," he added.

The resort chosen has all the facilities she will need.

Child Victims of Crime is the only national police children's charity and is administered by the Police Sport UK Rugby Section.