Rapists given longer sentences for caustic soda attack on girl with a learning disability

Thursday 02 July 2009

Learning disability charity Mencap welcomes the tougher sentencing of the three men who gang-raped a 16-year-old girl and doused her in caustic soda. But says this case highlights a failure of the Criminal Justice System that needs to be addressed.

David Congdon, head of campaigns and policy, Mencap, said:

"The short sentencing for such a brutal act of violence against a teenager with a learning disability was inexplicable.  All too often victims of abuse who have a learning disability are treated as second class citizens. Crimes against people with a learning disability must be taken seriously and treated exactly the same as those against people without a disability. 

"Whilst we are pleased that this case has been reviewed and harsher sentencing passed, questions have to be asked as to why such a vicious attack was not taken seriously enough by the Criminal Justice System in the first place."

-ENDS-

For further information contact: Stacey Kerr at the Mencap press office on 020 7696 6950.