Two men have today (Friday 6 August) been given a combined sentence of 24 years after previously being found guilty of sexual offences against a teenage girl in Watford.
T’Shai Bromfield, aged 24, (pictured left) formerly of Airco Close, Colindale, London, was sentenced to 12 years after he was found guilty of one count of rape.
Ryan King, aged 21, (pictured right) formerly of Thorpe Crescent, Watford, was also sentenced to 12 years after being found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration.
The pair, who were previously convicted at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday 19 May following a week-long trial, will serve custodial terms of nine years.
They will serve the remaining three years on extended licence, meaning they can be recalled back to prison any time up to 2033.
The court heard how on the evening of Monday 22 May 2017, Bromfield – who was 19 at the time – and King – who was 17 – were out socialising with a group of young people in Watford, which included the victim.
The victim, then aged 14, wanted to change her outfit and got into Bromfield’s silver Nissan Primera to do so with privacy.
However, Bromfield – also known by the nickname ‘Chopper’ – and King proceeded to drive the victim to an unknown location in Watford before taking it in turns to rape her inside the vehicle.
Detective Constable Ayodeji Afolabi, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Halo team*, investigated the case. He said: “Today’s sentencing has been a long time coming for the victim, who has shown nothing but courage throughout the investigation and subsequent trial.
“Bromfield and King’s choice to enter not guilty pleas meant the victim had to endure the trauma of a trial and relive her ordeal in court.
“Her bravery and determination in giving evidence, plus the vital statements from other witnesses, has meant we have been able to convict her attackers and prevent them from harming anyone else.
“Bromfield and King preyed on the victim when she was vulnerable, and cruelly exploited her for their own gain. She has since received specialist support from the Independent Sexual Violence Adviser service to help her process what happened and begin to move forward.
“We hope this result will enable her to find closure and we wish her all the very best.”
Both Bromfield and King have been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register.
The Hertfordshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) has its own Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service that offers support to anyone who has experienced sexual violence or sexual abuse, both recent and non-recent.
Hertfordshire has ISVAs who work with adults, and specialist Young Person ISVAs, who support those aged between 13 and 17.
They support male, female and transgender clients in Hertfordshire. ISVAs can provide sensitive and professional support, and can help victims to access additional services they may need.
More information is available on the Sexual Assault Referral Centre website.
*The Halo team disrupts and investigates child sexual exploitation cases in Hertfordshire.
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