Billy Barratt as Rafael "Ray" McCullin

View 3 Images

Billy Barratt as Rafael “Ray” McCullin(Image: BBC)

Responsible Child, which originally aired on the BBC and is based on a true story, has just arrived on Netflix and it has already stolen the top spot on the streamer’s film chart. The tragic film stars Billy Barratt as Rafael “Ray” McCullin, a 12-year-old boy who goes to trial accused of killing his mother’s boyfriend.

As the age of criminal responsibility in the UK is 10, he has to go through the adult court system. Barratt, who was 13 at the time the film was made, won the Award for Best Actor at the 48th International Emmy Awards.

It made him the youngest person to win an International Emmy – but is Rafael McCullin real?

Jerome Ellis and Joshua Ellis

View 3 Images

Jerome Ellis and Joshua Ellis(Image: PA/SURREY POLICE)

While Rafael McCullin does not exist in real life, the character is based on Jerome Ellis. The film draws inspiration from the 2014 case of Jerome and his brother Joshua, who were accused of murdering their stepfather in a knife attack.

Jerome was just 14 years old and Joshua was 23 when they stabbed Neil Tulley to death more than 60 times while he was “asleep or nearly asleep” on the sofa.

Get the latest MEN breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

While both brothers denied murder charges, they admitted manslaughter at Guildford Crown Court. Joshua was convicted of murder, while his younger brother Jerome was found guilty of manslaughter on grounds of loss of control.

Rafael "Ray" McCullin

View 3 Images

Rafael “Ray” McCullin

The siblings had a turbulent family history and Mr Tulley, who was in a relationship with their mother Marie, had threatened to kill Joshua a year earlier.

He was charged with making threats to kill but was later acquitted. Yet, the family dynamic continued to deteriorate.

The judge called it as a “tragic case”, saying Jerome had been neglected and was living in an abusive environment.

Jerome received a six-year detention sentence, while Joshua was sentenced to a minimum of 14 years in prison.

While Jerome is now a free man, his brother Joshua is believed to be still serving his sentence.

Responsible Child is on Netflix