Gang rape teens are jailed

Oct 11 2007 By Steve Johnson, Birmingham Mail

THREE teenagers were today beginning five-year custodial sentences for a brutal gang-rape.

The 18-year-old victim, from Erdington in Birmingham, was attacked at a party at a house near to Smethwick police station in January.

The three, two aged 16 and the other 17 and all Afghani nationals, were found guilty of rape after a nine-day trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court last month. They cannot be named for legal reasons.

They were sentenced yesterday at Derby Crown Court.

The judge ruled that the 17-year-old be deported to Afghanistan on completion of his sentence. Police may also push for his two accomplices to be sent back to their home country.

Det Con Shirley Worrall, of Smethwick CID, said today that the rape was a particularly nasty attack.

"The victim had gone along to a party at the home of one of the defendants, who lived not far from Smethwick police station in Piddock Road.

"The teenagers attacked her and all three raped her as the others helped to restrain her.

"All rapes are nasty but this was particularly bad, with the girl being held down.

"The victim was obviously traumatised by what happened but is relieved that at least her ordeal is all over.

"Hopefully now she can try to get on with her life."