Rape heroine: I hope they rot

3:53pm Wednesday 7th February 2007

THREE teenagers have been sentenced for violently raping a 16-year-old girl.

The attack took place in Queens Gardens, Bromley, at 11.30pm on April 16 last year.

Mohammedet Hassan, Geron Miller, and a 17-year-old boy all denied the offence but changed their pleas ahead of their trial, which was due to begin on November 13.

Unemployed Hassan, aged 18, was arrested at his home address in Concorde Way, Surrey Quays, on April 17.

Miller, aged 19, who is also unemployed, was arrested at his home in Trenholme Road, Anerley, two days later.

The 17-year-old boy, who is from New Cross, was arrested at his girlfriend's house in Bromley on April 19.

Yesterday at Croydon Crown Court, Hassan and Miller were both caged for an indefinite period for public protection.

The third boy received seven-and-a-half years and will also serve an extended licence of five years.

During sentencing, Judge Kenneth Macrae said the defendents had "behaved like animals" and adopted a "pack mentality".

He said: "Their conduct was callous and the victim had been used for their self-gratification."

An 18-year-old member of the public who intervened in the attack and brought it to a stop, was awarded £500 for her bravery.

Speaking exclusively to News Shopper, the woman described how she left her home after hearing the victim's screams and approached the three boys.

She said: "I went into the park and saw them there. One of the boys was holding the back of her head and forcing her to perform a sex act.

"I said 'how can you do this to a little girl?' and they dropped her. I went to her immediately, picked her up and tried to walk her out of the park. She was so upset, her hair was everywhere and she had mascara running down her face.

"The boys were walking next to us saying things like 'Do you both want some more then?' I got her to a phone box and she called her mum and they left."

The woman was not interviewed by police until she approached forensic officers in the park the following day and explained what she had seen.

Following the sentencing, she said: "I hope they rot. I know I put myself at risk by approaching them but I was just worried about that poor girl.

"I hope she recovers from this and gets on with her life."

Investigating officer Detective Constable Emma Jiggins said: "This was a vicious and frightening attack on a defenceless young woman.

"All three of the defendants displayed a blatant disregard and disrespect for her welfare as they took it in turns to rape her. All decent-minded people will appreciate how terrified she must have been.

"Thankfully she has had the strength to come to court and provide her evidence. Her family have been a source of constant support to her and I am sure she will continue to rebuild her life.

"I hope that the strength of the sentences sends out a clear message to the young men convicted of these offences. Their behaviour was entirely unacceptable and society will not tolerate such conduct."