Girl raped by two men in car gives victim impact statment

T’Shai Bromfield, 24, formerly of Airco Close, Colindale, and Ryan King, aged 21, formerly of Thorpe Crescent, Watford, raped the victim when she was just 14-year-old.

St Albans Crown Court heard how on the evening of Monday, May 22, 2017, Bromfield – who was 19 at the time – and King – who was 17 – were out socialising and drinking with a group of young people in Watford, which included the victim.

The victim, then aged 14, wanted to change her outfit and got into Bromfield’s silver Nissan Primera to do so with privacy.

However, Bromfield – also known by the nickname ‘Chopper’ – and King proceeded to drive the victim to an unknown location in Watford before raping her inside the vehicle.

T’Shai Bromfield (left) and Ryan King. Picture: Hertfordshire Constabulary

The court heard the girl was “distraught and crying” before both defendants “mercifully” stopped.

In a victim impact statement, which was read out in court today (August 6), the girl said she “still gets flashbacks” of the incident.

The statement added that the victim “struggles to trust people” after being raped and “struggles to form relationships with boys”.

The court also heard the victim "gets angry over small things" and that she “feels worthless and not good enough”.

Bromfield was found guilty of one count of rape whilst King was found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration following a trial in May.

The men, who have been held in custody, appeared in St Albans Crown Court to be sentenced today (August 6).

Tom Copeland, for Bromfield, said this is an old case and that the defendant's life has moved on “significantly” since the incident and he now has a child.

Mr Copeland added that Bromfield’s conviction came as a “shock” to family and friends.

Michael McAlinden, for King, added that the offence happened four years ago and said King has been doing work in custody and “applying himself”.

Judge Michael Kay QC said the defendants, who both have a string of previous convictions, had a “terrible start in life” although it was no excuse for their actions and "horrendous" criminal records.

He added that there has been "no sign of remorse or empathy" with the defendants having still denied their charges after their trial.

Bromfield and King were both sentenced to 12 years but will a serve custodial terms of nine years.

They will serve the remaining three years on extended licence, meaning they can be recalled back to prison any time up to 2033.

Both Bromfield and King have also been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

Detective Constable Ayodeji Afolabi, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Halo team, said: “Today’s sentencing has been a long time coming for the victim, who has shown nothing but courage throughout the investigation and subsequent trial.

“Bromfield and King’s choice to enter not guilty pleas meant the victim had to endure the trauma of a trial and relive her ordeal in court.

“Her bravery and determination in giving evidence, plus the vital statements from other witnesses, has meant we have been able to convict her attackers and prevent them from harming anyone else.

“Bromfield and King preyed on the victim when she was vulnerable, and cruelly exploited her for their own gain. She has since received specialist support from the Independent Sexual Violence Adviser service to help her process what happened and begin to move forward.

“We hope this result will enable her to find closure and we wish her all the very best.”

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