Crown Prosecution Service
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Three men jailed for raping young girls in Plymouth
Three men have been imprisoned for raping four young girls in Plymouth in 2017.
The Crown Prosecution Service prosecuted Anthony Anantharajah, 34, Abalzaq Salih, 30, and Saif Kahya, 32, following an investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police and were sentenced to 13 years, 19 years, and 12 years imprisonment.
The three defendants were convicted of rape offences committed between February 2017 and December 2017.
The police investigation and prosecution review began after the victims came forward and disclosed that there had been a number of house parties, where the young girls were lured to and exploited through money, drink and drugs.
All of the rapes took place at the homes of the defendants. The victims were aged between 14 and 16 at the time.
Claire Brinton, Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS, yesterday said:
“These three men exploited four young girls through drugs, alcohol and money. Their victims were groomed and subjected to rape.
“These defendants conducted a vicious and vile campaign of sexual abuse, in some instances multiple times against these victims, which must have caused life changing harm and trauma.
“We would like to extend a special thanks to the victims who came forward to report these crimes and gave evidence to a court about their horrific experiences.
“These convictions send a very clear message that the CPS, working alongside law enforcement colleagues, will relentlessly pursue justice for victims and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, whenever that abuse took place.
“I encourage any victims of child sexual abuse and sexual violence to report the crimes committed against them. It is never too late to seek justice - you are not alone and there is help available.”
To deal with some of the more complex and challenging child sexual abuse cases like this, the CPS has established a dedicated Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit to share specialist understanding, build strong cases and increase the amount of successful prosecutions.
Notes to Editors
- Claire Brinton is a Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS Serious Economic and Organised Crime International Directorate (SEOCID)
- Anthony Anantharajah [DOB: 30/5/1989] from London, found guilty of rape of a female aged 16 or over in February 2017. He was found not guilty of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 15 or under between 1 January and 16 May 2016 and sentenced to 13 years imprisonment and seven years on extended licence
- Abalzaq Salih [DOB: 1/5/1993] from Plymouth, found guilty of two counts of rape of a female aged 15 or under between 12-14 May 2017, and 21-22 December 2017 and sentenced to 19 years imprisonment
- Saif Kahya [DOB: 31/1/1992] from Liverpool, found guilty of rape of a female aged 16 or over between 21-22 December 2017 and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment
- A complainant has the right to anonymity under section 1 of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992
Original article link: https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/three-men-jailed-raping-young-girls-plymouth