23/10/2009

Backpacker Rapists Jailed

Two men have been jailed for raping a New Zealand backpacker in a "sustained and brutal attack" in St James's Park, central London.

The 20-year-old had been heading home after a night-out with friends last August when she was attacked by 21-year-olds Ismail Acar and Callem Fearnehough.

Acar, of Finsbury Park, north London, was jailed for 13 years for three counts of rape, assault and robbery.

Fearnehough, who lives on the same estate, received 10 years in prison for two counts of rape and robbery.

The woman told Southwark Crown Court: "I can just remember crying and wailing, please, please stop.'"

She tried to escape from the men but was caught and her handbag was taken. A second escape bid was successful but she had to abandon some of her clothing at the scene.

The woman ran to the end of the Mall to a security barrier placed in readiness for last year's Olympic Handover ceremony to get help from a security guard.

Sentencing, Judge Nicholas Loraine-Smith said: "This was a sustained and brutal attack by two men on a frail young woman.

"She was in her own words screaming and wailing all the time and when she did run away she was caught and brought back by one or other of you."

(GK/BMcC)

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