South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Maskey appalled at news of rape of 14-year-old girl in South Belfast

Published: 17 February, 2008

Alex Maskey MLA has condemned last night's rape of a 14 year old girl in South Belfast.

"I'm absolutely appalled to hear about this attack and I'd firstly like to say that my thoughts are with this young girl and her family. It is a horrendous crime to happen to anyone but to happen to someone at such a young age is appalling. I just hope she gets the support and help she needs now and in the longer term.

"The perpetrator who carried out this vile crime must be apprehended immediately and held to account and I would appeal to anyone who has any information to pass it on to the PSNI immediately.

"All of us have a responsibility to ensure those who carry out the crime of rape and sexual assault are taken off our streets and face lengthy prison sentences that reflect the seriousness of their crime and the devastation and long term effects crimes like these have on the victims and their families lives."