A 16-year-old boy from Wiltshire has been jailed for raping three teenagers and sexually assaulting a fourth.
The youth, who cannot be named or pictured because he is under the age of 18, was found guilty of raping a 14-year-old and 13-year-old girl, raping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl, following a trial in January at Basingstoke Youth Court.
The incidents took place on four separate occasions between May 2023 and December 2024, and the four victims were not known to one another.
On each occasion, the defendant targeted the girls on social media and convinced them to meet up, where the defendant then sexually assaulted them.
On one of the occasions, the defendant plied a victim with vodka before raping her.
Following an investigation by the Child Abuse Investigation Team in Melksham, the defendant was charged with the offences and remanded into custody.
At Salisbury Crown Court on Friday, July 18, the teenage rapist received an eight-year custodial sentence which will be served first at a secure training centre and then a young offender’s institution, along with a further six years on licence.
He will be required to sign on to the Sex Offenders Register for life and be the subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and of an indefinite restraining order against all four victims.
DC Dan England said: “The conviction of this teenage boy for heinous crimes of rape and sexual assault against four young girls highlights the troubling issue of toxic sexual behaviours in some young men.
“These behaviours, which can stem from a variety of societal influences, must be addressed through education and open dialogue, in the home, at school, workplaces and throughout our entire community.
“Our young people must understand the importance of consent and the profound impact that their actions can have on others, and we will continue to work collectively to instil a sense of respect and accountability.
“My thoughts are firmly with the victims, who have shown remarkable courage and resilience throughout this ordeal.
“It is their bravery in coming forward that has brought this perpetrator to justice.
“I applaud their strength in the face of such unimaginable trauma and thank them for putting their trust in us.
“As a community, we must continue to support survivors of sexual violence.”
Police advise victims and anyone who knows someone who has been sexually abused to report it by calling 999 or using the wiltshire.police.uk website, which also guidance on the support available and other agencies who can offer help.
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