A 15-year-old migrant has been locked up for over five years after raping a 17-year-old girl in a Worcester park. The horrific attack happened in the early hours near the tennis courts in Cripplegate Park last August 10, as the victim was walking home from a night out.
Chilling Attack in Dead of Night
The court heard how the teen, a stranger to the victim, followed her into the park just after 2am. Wearing a black tracksuit and balaclava, he creeped up on her, telling her she was “pretty and sexy” before demanding sex, saying it “would only take five minutes.” When the girl said no, he forced himself on her, stripping off her shorts and underwear despite her desperate pleas. She finally broke free and ran off while the attacker sat back down in the park.
DNA Evidence and Arrest
- Blood and semen DNA linked the suspect and the victim
- Passers-by found the girl in shock and called the police
- The 16-year-old was arrested two days later after a police manhunt
The defendant, a foreign national from Africa who arrived in the UK in 2023, admitted to rape and assault by penetration. He needed an interpreter and had the right to remain in the UK.
Judge Slams Attacker as ‘High Risk’
“You showed limited acceptance of what you have done and little concern for the victim,” said Judge James Burbidge during sentencing. He handed down five years and three months, warning there is a “high risk of reoffending.”
Detective Inspector Sharon Wallace-Rathmell praised the victim’s courage: “This was an incredibly traumatic experience that shook the local community. I’m pleased justice has been served, and this offender is off our streets.” The victim bravely shared her ordeal: “I have nightmares every day, and I’m scared of men now. I’ve even developed a drug habit to cope. I don’t know the person who did this to me — I’m glad I won’t see him again.” The court denied media requests to name the teenager because of his age.
