A TEENAGER who carried an unconscious schoolgirl to a derelict flat, where she was gang-raped, has been locked up for 18 months.

Ruman Abu, 17, said he was trying to help the 15-year-old when he carried her from one flat to another.

But, after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court last month, a jury found him guilty of abduction.

The attack happened after the girl's drink was spiked.

Amber Liaquat, 21, Yasin Ramzan, 19, and Robbani Miah, 18, all from Newcastle's West End, were jailed for a total of 23 years for rape.

Judge Guy Whitburn told Abu, of Derwentwater Road, Gateshead: "This is as serious an abduction as I have seen."

Detective Inspector Max Black, of Newcastle CID, said: "The men who took part in this can only be described as animals.

"Although he was only convicted of abducting the youngster and carrying her from one flat to another, in the eyes of the victim and the police he played just as much a part in her ordeal."