The heart-wrenching incident of an eight-year-old girl falling to her death from a sixth-floor balcony in Portsmouth has left a community in mourning. Minnie Rae Dunn, who lived with her grandmother, was visiting her mother, Rebecca Dunn, when the tragic accident occurred. The balcony, described as cluttered with bin bags and furniture, became the site of a fatal fall that has raised questions about child safety in high-rise living.

During the inquest, Rebecca Dunn expressed profound regret, calling her decision to allow her daughter on the balcony the 'biggest mistake' of her life. The balcony, equipped with a metre-high brick wall and anti-pigeon netting, was not enough to prevent the tragedy. The presence of a pouffe chair, moved from its usual position, was noted as a contributing factor in the incident.

The inquest also touched upon Rebecca Dunn's use of cannabis earlier in the day, which she stated was for her mental health and did not impair her ability to care for her daughter. This aspect of the testimony highlighted the complex interplay between parental responsibility, mental health, and the unforeseen dangers that can arise in everyday environments.

Coroner Jason Pegg concluded that Minnie Rae Dunn's death was a tragic accident. The case serves as a somber reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for safe play areas for children, especially in urban living conditions where outdoor space is limited. The community's thoughts remain with the family during this difficult time.

In a case that has shocked the community, John Davies, a 45-year-old convicted sex offender, has been sentenced to an extended 20-year prison term for arranging to rape a 12-year-old girl with the child's mother. The Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard how Davies and the mother discussed in graphic detail the planned abuse, including the use of sex toys and specific clothing the child would wear during the assault.

The court was presented with text messages that revealed the disturbing nature of the conversations between Davies and the mother. Davies, who had previously been jailed in 2016 for similar offences, also sent images of his sex toy collection to the mother, detailing how he intended to use them on the child. The plan was for Davies to stay at the family home for a week while the mother's husband was away, a plan that was fortunately thwarted by police intervention.

Davies' criminal history includes multiple breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) between 2022 and 2023. His latest conviction includes charges of arranging the commission of a child sex offence, distributing indecent images of children, and breaching his SHPO. The severity of his actions has led to a significant prison sentence, reflecting the danger he poses to society.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in monitoring and preventing sexual offences against children. The collaboration between the police and the judicial system in this instance has ensured that a dangerous individual is removed from the community, safeguarding potential future victims. The details of the case serve as a grim reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for continued efforts to protect the most vulnerable in society.