Michael McLean, Gleaner Writer

Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth:

The police in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth say they will be sending a strong message to mothers who encourage and support men who sexually abuse young girls.

Constable Yvette Graham, of the Santa Cruz police station, says that for 2007 the police will not be tolerating behaviour by parents who aid and abet immoral conduct.

"We will be sending a strong message to all parents who aid and abet this type of immoral conduct," she said.

Constable Graham said she was appealing for this type of conduct to stop as they will arrest, charge and prosecute perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law. She said parents are to properly supervise and listen to their children and avoid being party to 'disgraceful behaviour'.

On New Year's Day, Jennifer Hyman, a 39-year-old office helper of Waterloo district in the parish, was arrested and charged with aiding and abetting, in a case of indecent assault, after she allowed a 34-year-old man to sleep with a 12- year-old juvenile.