A teenager who carried an unconscious schoolgirl to a derelict flat where she was gang raped has been jailed 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 where she was raped by three men.

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.

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

Det Insp Max Black of Newcastle West End 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."

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