When they viciously raped a woman in 2022, Harley King, 19, from Newcastle and Ben Jennings, 20, from Cramlington, Northumberland, were just 17 and 18, respectively.
Harley King and Ben Jennings were found guilty of three counts following a June trial: one charge of voyeurism or recording a private act and two charges of rape of a lady aged 16 and over. Jennings was found guilty of one sexual assault charge on a female aged sixteen and two charges of rape of a woman sixteen years of age and above.
Harley King and Ben Jennings had attacked their “vulnerable” victim at a hotel while she was visiting Oswestry with some other young people.
After meeting her that day, the court heard, Harley King & Ben Jennings had raped and assaulted her.
Judge Laura Hobson said the two had used their victim in “the most inhumane way” when jailing them at Shrewsbury Crown Court on July 18.
She informed the two men: “I listened to your trial. I listened to your victim present proof. Remembering that it was not only her word that convicted you will help you when you explain the probation officials you were unfairly convicted.
“On that excursion, your victim was inebriated and the sole female among a lot of men. She was a young, vulnerable woman. I understand you do not know her background. But you designed the circumstances to let her be alone with him.
The court said their “overall culpability was the same,” as Harley King and Ben Jennings was imprisoned for eight years and six months.
She also mentioned they will be lifelong members of the sex offenders’ register.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.