Harlesden teenager jailed for ‘revenge rape’ loses her appeal

Aliyah Weekes and her brother Lacquan were jailed last November (Image: Archant)

Aliyiah Weekes, 19, of St Mary’s Road, organised the attack in April 2013 after accusing the victim of being a ‘snitch’.

She was taken to a secluded spot near the College of North West London in Dudden Hill, Willesden, and forced to perform oral sex on Weekes’ brother Lacquan.

Last November, Weekes was convicted of aiding and abetting rape and jailed for four-and-a-half years at the Old Bailey.

She appealed today, but was told the punishment was richly deserved for her part in the attack.

Mr Justice Sweeney told the Court of Appeal the victim was ‘frightened, humiliated and degraded’ by her ordeal.

She knew Weekes and had been accused by her of ‘snitching’ in April 2013, the court heard.

When they ran into each other days later, the girl was persuaded to go with Weekes and some youths to a park area nearby where she was told she would have to perform oral sex on the boys.

Weekes then forced the terrified victim to go to a secluded area with her 18-year-old sibling where she was subjected to a terrifying sexual ordeal.

She got away when two members of the public walked past.

Sentencing, Judge Jeremy Donne said he had originally planned to give her the same five-year term that her brother got for rape, but cut it to four-and-a-half.

Today, appeal judge Mr Justice Sweeney, sitting with Lady Justice Sharp and Judge Eleri Rees QC, said that term was fully justified.

He said: “Her actions had been motivated by revenge.”

“Even having regard to her age and personal difficulties, the sentence cannot be regarded as manifestly excessive.”

The appeal was dismissed.

Related link: Brother and sister jailed for roles in ‘snitching’ rape in Willesden