Sunday 25 October 2009

Pair Jailed For Kiwi Royal Park Rape


Two rapists, who subjected a 21 year-old New Zealand woman to a two-and-a-half hour rape ordeal in the shadow of Buckingham Palace, have been locked-up for the shocking attack.

The Kiwi – who had chosen London as the destination for a working holiday - had missed the last tube train after enjoying an evening drinking with pals and in the early hours was taken to historic St. James’ Park by three men she met on the night bus.

She was raped and robbed by Ismail Acar, 21, (pictured l.) and Callem Fearnehough, 21, (pictured r.) both of Millfield, Six Acres Estate, Finsbury Park.

Acar was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment after pleading guilty to raping the victim three times, assault by penetration and robbing her of jewellery and a handbag containing cash, bank cards and an ipod on August 25, last year.

Fearnehough was jailed for 10 years after a jury convicted him of raping her twice and robbing her of the same items.

The third man, jobless Dimitri McKenzie-Saunders, 21, of Holloway Road, Upper Holloway was acquitted of three rape counts and robbery.

She attempted to escape her assailants in famous St. James’ Park, but was recaptured and the ordeal continued.

The attackers demanded her PIN number so they could empty her bank accounts, but Acar was foiled at a Charing Cross cashpoint, after the victim gave a bogus number.

A park security guard detained McKenzie-Saunders just before 5am and Acar and Fearnehough were arrested two hours later on Horse Guards Road after two PCSO’s identified them from a circulated description.

The victim was taken to a Haven centre where she received medical care and counselling from specially trained staff who guide victims of sexual assaults through the immediate aftermath of the trauma.

Afterwards DS Ivon Beer (Westminster Sapphire) said: "We are very pleased with today's sentencing, which reflects the seriousness of the attack.

“We hope this acts as a deterrent to prevent such horrific attacks in future. I would like to convey my appreciation for the courage and dignity displayed by the victim throughout."

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