Brutal teens' luxury home

 

SOME of Britain's most dangerous young criminals — including killers and rapists — are moving into a new £14million "jail" kitted out like a four-star hotel.

The 38 teenage offenders will enjoy a gym with rowing and cycling machines and weight-lifting gear.
Then there's the indoor heated pool and a sports hall with a court for basketball or five-a-side football.
The criminals can also play on an outdoor six-a-side pitch with all-weather surface. They will even get a JUICE BAR and relax in common rooms with comfortable sofas.

Life of leisure ... teen offenders' gym

Back in their rooms the offenders, aged up to 16, will watch TV, play on Xbox consoles or use a computer.
Sun readers errupted in fury today after we exposed the cushy luxury 'jail'.
Sun user Whatthehell commented. "I am an ex-prison officer with years of experience dealing with criminals.....prison is meant to be a deterrent, how could this palace possibly qualify?"
And user theboyrichard added: "I must admit, I could quite happily live there if it wasn't full of violent yobs."
One victims' group spokesman said: "It would cost decent families thousands for all of this, but these kids will get it for free. It sends out completely the wrong message."

Cushy ... lounge

The unit opens in August at Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham. It replaces the Aycliffe Young People's Centre — which has housed some of the country's most notorious young killers.
Robert Thompson and Jon Venables spent time there after they were convicted of murdering two-year-old James Bulger.

Juice bar ... soft drinks for soft jail

A source at the centre said: "No one can quite believe the degree of luxury. Schools are struggling with budget cuts but the kids who come here will want for nothing."
Neil Atkinson, of the National Victims' Association, said: "What a kick in the teeth for families whose lives were devastated by violent crime."

Top notch ... footie pitch

The centre is run by Durham County Council. Gail Hopper, head of safeguarding, said: "The youngsters cannot leave the secure unit for education or recreation and are confined to their rooms at night.
"So it's important we recreate opportunities for them to learn how they can change their lives. They will run their own juice bar — as they do in the current facility — as a commercial enterprise."

Privilege ... swimming pool