The appellant, a 17-year-old schoolboy with no prior convictions, was convicted in the Regional Court, East London, of raping a fellow 17-year-old pupil who was his friend and neighbour. The rape occurred at the appellant’s home after he summoned the complainant late at night under the pretext of wanting to talk. Despite her resistance, he assaulted and raped her. The complainant, a virgin with a history of psychological vulnerability, suffered severe physical injuries and significant psychological trauma, including a suicide attempt shortly after the rape. The appellant showed no remorse, denied responsibility throughout, and behaved arrogantly towards the complainant and the sentencing process. He was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment, four years of which were conditionally suspended, resulting in an effective sentence of six years’ imprisonment. Appeals against conviction and sentence failed in the High Court, and a further appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal was limited to sentence only.