A 15-year-old boy from London has been jailed for more than seven years after breaking into a woman's home in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, and raping her, before burgling a second house nearby. He was sentenced at Coventry Crown Court on Thursday, 5 November, to seven years and two months in custody.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and one count of burglary. He also admitted a further burglary and vehicle theft linked to the second property, which the court took into consideration.

The attacks

The attack took place earlier this year, when the boy, wearing a balaclava, broke into the woman's home in Nuneaton and raped her. He threatened her as her young daughter slept next to her, according to reports of the case.

He then broke into another property nearby and stole the keys to a car. He was arrested and held in custody following the incidents.

Guilty pleas and sentence

Appearing at Coventry Crown Court on 5 November, the boy was sentenced to seven years and two months in custody after admitting the offences. The court heard that he had pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and one count of burglary, and had admitted the further burglary and vehicle theft.

Warwickshire Police has not disclosed the exact date or location of the attack because of court-imposed reporting restrictions designed to protect the victim's identity.

Victim praised for her bravery

Detective Chief Inspector Martyn Kendall of Warwickshire Police praised the bravery of the victim. He said: "I know nothing can take away what happened, but I hope that this outcome at least brings some peace to her."

The victim's mother also faced the teenager in court, reading out her victim impact statement in front of him after the hearing, in what was described as a brave stand following the attack.

The case underlines the protection the courts give to victims of sexual offences, whose identity is protected by law for life, and the restrictions that prevent reporting of details that could identify them.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't the teenager be named? He is under 18, and reporting restrictions prevent the identification of young defendants in criminal cases.

Where was he sentenced? At Coventry Crown Court on Thursday, 5 November 2026, to seven years and two months in custody.

What did he admit? Two counts of rape and one count of burglary, with a further burglary and vehicle theft taken into consideration.