Police in Surrey have agreed to pay compensation to the family of a teenage boy from Caterham following his tragic death in February 2014.
Breck Bednar was just 14-years-old when he was lured to the home of computer scientist, Lewis Daynes, in Grays Essex before being murdered by the 19-year-old whom he had considered a friend.
Terrifyingly, Breck's mother, Lorin LaFave, had expressed concern over the online relationship which was developing between her son and Lewis Daynes - concerns which she communicated to police just months before his death two years ago.
Adamant the force failed to properly respond to a call placed by Lorin, Breck's parents sought damages which have now been met by the Surrey force who apologised unreservedly for the anguish and heartache experience as a result of Breck's murder.
Last year, the Independent Police Complaints Commission launched an inquiry into the case and ultimately concluded that a Police National Computer (PNC) check should have been completed after Lorin made contact with authorities.
Further to this, it was established that Breck's mother was not provided with information about the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, which provides advice to parents who suspect someone of behaving inappropriately towards their child online
Releasing a joint statement to the press, the police and Breck's parents said: "The parties have now reached a settlement of the claim. Surrey Police accept that mistakes were made in how Ms LaFave's telephone call to them was handled and responded to; and unreservedly apologises for them."
"As part of the settlement, Surrey Police have agreed to implement recommended changes to their procedures to ensure that other children like Breck are protected." it confirmed.
Turning attention to the future, the statement continued: "Mr Bednar and Ms LaFave hope to work with Surrey Police in order to enhance awareness of the dangers that young people face online and to ensure that appropriate training is given to staff to assist in the prevention of similar crimes against children."
Lewis Daynes was jailed for life last year with a minimum of 25 years for the murder of Breck Bednar.
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