Two 17-Year-Old Afghan Asylum Seekers Sentenced Over Rape Of 15-Year-Old In Leamington Park

Two 17-year-old asylum seekers from Afghanistan, Jan Jahanzeb and Israr Niazal, have been sentenced after admitting the rape of a 15-year-old girl in Newbold Comyn park, Leamington, Warwickshire, police confirmed.

Warwickshire Police said the attack occurred on May 10. The victim had been in Leamington with friends when she met the two teenagers, who invited her to join them for a walk. Officers say they led her to an area of Newbold Comyn where the assault took place.

After the assault the girl was able to flag down a passerby who contacted the police. Detectives used CCTV footage and photographs the victim had taken earlier in the day to identify and trace the suspects. The two 17-year-olds were arrested and charged with rape after being identified by officers.

Both defendants admitted the offence at the youth court in Coventry. At a subsequent sentencing hearing at Warwick Crown Court, reporting restrictions that had previously prevented the pair from being named because of their age were lifted. The court also heard confirmation that both men are Afghan asylum seekers.

Sentencing And Legal Consequences

Jahanzeb was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in custody; Niazal received a sentence of nine years and 10 months. Both will begin their terms in a Young Offenders' Institution and will transfer to adult prisons at a later stage. Following conviction they were placed on the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely and were issued with indefinite restraining orders.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Hobbs of Warwickshire Police praised the victim's courage and confirmed that specially trained officers supported her throughout the investigation. He said the sentences reflect the seriousness of the offence and the need to protect the public.

Investigation And Support

Police emphasised that the investigation was carried out sensitively by specialist officers and that support was made available to the victim. DCI Hobbs said the force hopes the case will reassure other victims of sexual violence that they will be listened to and supported if they report offences.

The force continues to urge anyone with information about similar incidents to contact Warwickshire Police.