A court was informed that a frightened schoolgirl woke up to find herself being sexually assaulted by a stranger. The 14-year-old had lost consciousness due to alcohol and marijuana at a residence in Birmingham after being enticed there from the city center by Rhyce Longstaff and an acquaintance. Longstaff, aged 31, reportedly sought out the girl in a bedroom when she became unconscious and proceeded to sexually assault her.
Upon waking in fear, the girl was silenced by Longstaff covering her mouth to mask her cries. The traumatized girl has attempted suicide due to the distressing flashbacks she experiences. Longstaff, residing in Haydock Close, Hodge Hill, was convicted of three counts of rape following a trial and subsequently sentenced to 16 years in prison with an additional six-year license extension.
Longstaff’s history includes previous convictions for robbery, affray, and wielding a knife to threaten someone. The court learned that Longstaff encountered the girl and her friends in Birmingham city center before inviting them to a location in Sutton Street, Aston. The girl consumed alcohol and marijuana at the venue, though Longstaff was not the one who provided these substances. She later passed out in an upstairs room.
Addressing Longstaff, Judge Andrew Smith KC expressed the vulnerability of the girl in an unconscious state surrounded by unfamiliar older males. The judge described the horror the girl must have felt upon awakening to find herself being assaulted. Longstaff proceeded to rape the girl on two more occasions after she passed out again. Subsequently, he absconded with her phone to impede her from seeking help.
The victim’s phone was reportedly in proximity to Longstaff’s phone on two occasions after the incident, although her device was never recovered. In a statement, the girl disclosed the loss of confidence, self-esteem, and a struggle with severe nightmares. She recounted her attempt to end her life, feeling it was the only escape from the trauma.
Following Longstaff’s arrest and conviction, the girl felt a sense of relief but continued to be haunted by the incident. Longstaff, appearing via video link from HMP Birmingham, displayed a lack of remorse during the proceedings. His defense counsel, Justin Hugheston-Roberts, refrained from offering positive remarks and instead requested a lenient punishment in line with public duty, urging the judge to avoid a potential life sentence.
For mental health support, individuals can contact the Samaritans at 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org for assistance.
