Lessons learnt after boys' murder

The boys were murdered in their father's car

A number of agencies, including police and social services, have been criticised in an investigation into the murder of two brothers by their father.

The boys, Brad and Brett, were killed by Steven Wilson in his car at Hilltop Golf Course in 2002.

Members of Sandwell Area Child Protection Committee claim the organisations involved with the family before the tragedy, failed to spot that the brothers were "at likely risk of significant harm."

The report stressed that no one was being blamed for failing to prevent the boys' deaths but said communication was poor between the agencies.

It is a confidential report but at the end of the day it's important the public have the confidence in these agencies Councillor Darren Cooper

Darren Cooper, the cabinet member for social inclusion and health on Sandwell Council, said lessons had been learnt.

"Locally we've asked each agency involved to look at their procedures," he said.

"Communication between agencies is imperative.

"It is a confidential report but at the end of the day it's important the public have the confidence in these agencies."

Mr Cooper said everyone involved with the family before the tragedy were shocked at the murders.

Wilson was jailed for life in March 2003 at Birmingham Crown Court for the murder his sons.

But five days after his conviction, the killer, formerly of Linden Avenue, Great Barr, Birmingham, was found hanging from shoelaces in his cell.