Boys jailed for Facebook rape

A detective warned of the risks of social networking websites today as two teenagers were jailed for raping a girl they had met online.

Jean-Claude Rugero, 19, of Ilford, and Prince Afriyie, 17, of Chigwell, were both sentenced to six years for the attack in Colchester last August. It emerged during the trial at Chelmsford crown court that their teenage victim had initially met her attackers on sites Facebook and Bebo.

Detective Sergeant Steve Jennings of Essex Police said: "The defendants tried to arrange a meeting but she very sensibly decided not to meet. But they decided to travel to Colchester, where they recognised her from her picture on the site. Although incidents like this are rare, it does highlight the dangers of social networking sites."