A teen who raped and brutally beat a 14-year-old girl to the brink of death in Lewsey Park, Luton, has been given a discretionary life sentence today.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Luton Crown Court on May 16 and pleaded guilty to the rape.
On June 23 he also pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm s18 with intent.
He will serve a minimum term of seven years.
During the hearing the court heard how on January 19, an investigation was launched by officers from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, after the girl had been found unconscious in the park.
The victim was taken to Addenbrookes Hospital suffering with severe head injuries and at the time it was expected that she would not survive.
After extensive hospital treatment she has now made a recovery but will face a life managing severe life changing physical and mental injuries caused by the assault.
Detective Inspector John Arthur, said: “Due to the thorough investigation the boy had no option but to confess his guilt. “The young victim was known to him and he left her unconscious in a cold dark park after violently assaulting her.
“The boy’s behaviour on that night leaves me in no doubt that he is an extremely dangerous person.”
He added: “My thoughts remain with the victim and her family.
“Throughout this ordeal her family have shown great bravery and conducted themselves admirably.
“Family members sleep at the hospital where the victim is still recovering and the love and support they have shown is commendable.
“I am full of respect for them as I know they face a difficult future.
“The victim will need constant care and she will always need her family’s support due to the injuries she has suffered but I hope that today’s sentencing will go some way in helping them start to look forward.”