Teen brothers jailed over rape of young girl in a field near caravan park

Sex attacker is handed 5-year detention while sibling gets 7yrs

- DECLAN BRENNAN

A SCHOOLBOY who brutally raped a teenage girl two years ago has received a sentence of five years detention.

After repeatedly attacking her, the then 14-year-old told her she had to have sex with his older brother, then aged 17.

The older sibling, now 19, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years, with 18 months suspended, for his role in the horrific attacks which took place at night near a caravan park in Wexford and in front of a group of about seven other boys.

The two brothers pleaded guilty last May to raping the girl.

The older brother cannot be named because to do so would identify his younger brother who cannot be identified because he is a juvenile.

At the Central Criminal Court yesterday, Justice Paul McDermott said the victim was preyed on and the “terrifying and violent” experience continues to have a pervasive effect on her life.

He noted as aggravating factors her young age, the threats of violence used by the younger boy and the humiliating public nature of the assaults.

The judge added both defendants knew the girl was distressed and vulnerable and did not consent to sex.

He said a significant mitigating factor for the younger accused was his youth at the time and now and added this type of serious offending in a person of this young age is unusual.