Rap lyrics blamed in rape case

DMX has song lyrics referring to rape

A 15-year-old rapist who appeared influenced by his favourite rapper's lyrics has been sentenced to four years in a youth detention centre.

The boy, who idolises United States rapper DMX, was found guilty of luring a 13-year-old girl using mobile phone text messages.

He contacted her in January to meet him before taking her to a flat in Woolwich, south east London and raping her, the court heard.

At the Old Bailey on Friday, Judge Brian Barker told the youth: "You displayed an attitude for women and girls that was degrading and that showed no respect or understanding.

It was these boys imitating the life of the rappers

Prosecutor Brian Reece

"Your intention was to obtain sexual gratification from an impressionable school girl by persistence, charm and finally, force."

After the case, a detective said: "His actions appeared to mirror DMX's lyrics.

"They talk of all women being bitches and say 'don't give them your real name'."

During the trial, prosecutor Brian Reece accused the boy of getting the idea from the lyrics of a DMX song.

Fainted in court

He told the jury: "This was life imitating art."

At least two DMX songs feature references to rape.

The youth, of Bexleyheath, south-east London, fainted in court when he was convicted last month.

He was also ordered to register indefinitely as a sex offender.

The youth was cleared of a second charge of rape involving another 13-year-old girl.