Schoolboy, 13, raped 'small and vulnerable' 12-year-old boy in park

'This defendant is unable to admit to himself or his family that he committed this violent sexual attack,' says judge

The attack took place in Roe Green Park, Brent (Google)

A 13-year-old raped a “small and vulnerable” 12-year-old in a park as he walked to school.

The unnamed teenager was found guilty of holding the child for half an hour, attacking him and forcing him to perform sex acts on him last May.

Investigators believe the victim was targeted because he was small for his age.

The attack took place in Roe Green Park in Brent, west London.

After the ordeal, the victim was released and told teachers at his school, who contacted the police, Willesden Youth Court heard.

The attacker was an hour late to school and told teachers he had been in the park with friends.

He said he "didn't know where the time had gone".

The schools of juvenile criminals cannot be named for legal reasons so it is not known whether the two boys attended the same institution.

Police used a description of the attacker to match him with school CCTV footage.

He was also picked out by the victim in an identity parade.

Forensic samples later matched the attacker and victim.

Prosecutor Charles Royale said: "A DNA match was taken from the underwear he was wearing that matched both him and the victim.

"The Crown say that it's a compelling case with evidence so that you can be sure of his guilt."

The 13-year-old denied the attack but refused to answer questions in his police interview and refused to give evidence at trial. He also requested his family were not present in court.

Instead, he was supported only by a social worker and an intermediary to help him with any legal language he didn't understand.

The boy was found guilty of rape child under 13, inciting a child under 13 into sexual activity and kidnap.

District Judge Mark Jabbitt said: "I think this defendant is unable to admit to himself or his family that he committed this violent sexual attack but the evidence that he did so is overwhelming.

"I'm satisfied he knew the victim was under 13, and I'm satisfied he singled him out precisely because he was so small and vulnerable."

The boy will be sentenced in October. His lawyer has requested a psychiatric report.