Teenager sentenced for rape of boys

A teenager who raped two young boys has been sentenced to a community rehabilitation order, police said today.

The 16-year-old, from Manchester, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted a count of rape against a seven-year-old boy and another count of rape against another seven-year-old boy.

He was sentenced to a three-year community rehabilitation order at Manchester Crown Court, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

The teenager raped the boys by forcing them to perform a sex act on him, the police said in a statement.

One witness saw an offence being committed and challenged the offender, asking what was happening.

The victim told the witness the teenager had a bottle of cherry brandy and that they could have some if they did as he said, according to the police.

The offences took place over a week in September last year in the Longsight area of Manchester.

Detective Constable Jordan McGowan, of the public protection investigation unit at Longsight, Manchester, said: "These are some of the most appalling and malevolent crimes I have had the misfortune to investigate.

"Both victims were young, naive and clearly sexually inexperienced boys.

"They had no idea why they were being abused and will have to live with what has happened to them for the rest of their lives.

"Today we have once again demonstrated that we will thoroughly investigate all reports of rape.

"We will continue to offer the families support as this whole experience has been truly devastating for them."