Three guilty of raping teen girls in Plymouth

Victims were aged between 14 and 16

Three men have been found guilty of raping four teenage girls in Plymouth.
 
Anthony Anantharajah, 34, from London; Abalzaq Salih, 30, from Plymouth and Saif Kahya, 32, from Liverpool were convicted of rape after a five-week trial at Plymouth Crown Court.
 
The prosecution began after the victims came forward and disclosed that there had been a number of house parties, where the young girls were  assaulted.
 
All the rapes took place in 2017 at the homes of the defendants when the victims were aged between 14 and 16.

Another man has been cleared of all charges. 

The judge remanded Anantharajah, Salih and Kahya in custody, telling them they would be subject to prison for a period measured in years when they return for sentencing at a later date.
 
Claire Brinton, specialist prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “These three men exploited four young girls through drugs, alcohol and money. Their victims were groomed and subjected to rape.
 
“These defendants conducted a vicious and vile campaign of sexual abuse, in some instances multiple times against these victims, which must have caused life changing harm and trauma.
 
“We would like to extend a special thanks to the victims who came forward to report these crimes and gave evidence to a court about their horrific experiences.

“These convictions send a very clear message that the CPS, working alongside law enforcement colleagues, will relentlessly pursue justice for victims and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, whenever that abuse took place.
 
“I encourage any victims of child sexual abuse and sexual violence to report the crimes committed against them. It is never too late to seek justice - you are not alone and there is help available.”