Two young cousins have been handed lengthy jail terms for raping a schoolgirl whose teenhood was ruined after their shocking broad daylight attack in Appleby.
Levi Stephen Lee and Othie Danny Lee, now aged 18, were just 14 and 15, respectively, when they visited the town in late May, 2019 ahead of the annual horse fair.
They pestered and then forced themselves on to the girl after frogmarching her into an alleyway.
In an interview with police, played at Carlisle Crown Court, the girl recalled that the two had asked her repeatedly if she wanted to go for a walk just minutes after they had met.
After she replied “I don’t know”, one grabbed her wrist before leading her over the town’s main bridge. “I was nervous because I didn’t know what was going to happen next,” she had recalled.
She was then subjected to oral rapes in an alleyway by the two young strangers who, the court heard, instructed her: “Do it.”
“I was scared and shaking,” she told police.
The pair — who had travelled to Appleby from the West Midlands for the fair with other relatives — were detained by officers after the incident was reported. Each denied one charge of rape and at the crown court went on trial in front of a jury which lasted several weeks.
After hearing evidence, the jury found the teenagers — who denied any wrongdoing — guilty after deliberating for more than 10 hours.
Prosecutor Tim Evans outlined an impact statement which the schoolgirl had provided. “Her teenhood and education were ruined,” said Mr Evans. “She could not be treated effectively as an adult would with anti-depressant medication because of her age.
Her sleeping patterns were destroyed and she had to sleep both with a light on and with a dog in her room for protection.”
Levi Lee, of Willenhall Lane, Walsall, and Othie Lee, of New Street, Bridgtown, Cannock, were handed jail terms of five years four months apiece. The court heard they had not shown any remorse for their crime.
Both must sign the sex offender register indefinitely.
Sergeant Mike Gilsenan, who led the investigation, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the victim in this case for the courage and perseverance throughout both the investigation and the court process. Through no fault of her own, it has taken almost three years to get to the point where she has seen justice served, but throughout she has demonstrated great resolve and determination.
“This was a cowardly attack by two young men who have now not only received significant prison sentences for their actions but will be on the sex offender register indefinitely.
“This was a sensitive and complex case and investigation and, if there is anything positive to take from it, I hope it demonstrates to the public that those who come forward to report such offences will be listened to, supported, their reports investigated and every effort made to bring perpetrators to justice.”
