Teens jailed for 'savage' rape attack

Dec 11 2006

A 22-year-old backpacker was repeatedly raped by two teenagers as she walked home from her office Christmas party.

The New Zealand woman's two attackers, Ricky Valens, of Southall, and Saleem Thomas, of Acton, were jailed for life by a judge on Friday, who called it a 'savage'and 'sustained' assault.

Valens, 18, of Endsleigh Road, and Thomas, 19, of Hereford Road, pounced on December 15 last year,as the victim walked along Horn Lane in the early hours.

The young woman had been to her firm's office lunch before going to a pub with colleagues, leaving at around midnight.

She was heading to her boyfriend's home in Acton when she saw three teenagers.

As she passed the trio they grabbed her arm and pulled her into a side road.

One of the attackers had a Staffordshire Bull Terrier which was barking, jumping up and down and tearing at her clothes.

Prosecutor Lucy Cartwright said the terrified victim believed she was about to be killed.

Ms Cartwright said: "She was pulled into a small car park and then dragged into an alleyway.

"She thought 'this is it' thinking she was about to be murdered."

Valens then threatened to stab the 22-year-old before he and Thomas, ignoring their victim's cries and screams, took it in turns to rape her.

After the attack the woman managed to flag down a passing cab.

The driver then took her to Acton Police Station.

DNA tests led the police to the culprits. At Isleworth Crown Court Judge Richard McGregor-Johnson said: "It was a disgraceful and utterly inexcusable course of conduct.

"Having read the victim impact statement I can understand the devastating effect your actions have had."

Valens, who has a previous convictions for robbery, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape.

He was jailed for six years.

Thomas also admitted to two rape charges and was given an eight year sentence.

No evidence was brought against the third man with the dog.