T’Shai Bromfield

On the evening of 22 May 2017, T’Shai Bromfield, then aged 19 and known by the nickname ‘Chopper’, was socialising with a group of young people in Watford, including a 14-year-old girl who would become the victim. The girl, seeking privacy to change her outfit, entered Bromfield’s silver Nissan Primera. However, Bromfield and his associate Ryan King drove her to an unknown location in Watford, where they took turns to rape her inside the vehicle.

The assault was a calculated act of exploitation against a vulnerable teenager. Following the incident, the case was investigated by Detective Constable Ayodeji Afolabi from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Halo team. Despite the trauma, the victim demonstrated remarkable courage by providing evidence during a week-long trial at St Albans Crown Court.

Bromfield was convicted on one count of rape on 19 May 2021. On the subsequent Friday, he was sentenced to a total of 12 years’ imprisonment, comprising nine years in custody and three years on extended licence, during which he can be recalled to prison if necessary until 2033. The court highlighted the predatory nature of the offence, as Bromfield and King preyed on the victim’s vulnerability for their own gain.

Detective Constable Afolabi commended the victim’s bravery, stating: “Bromfield and King’s choice to enter not guilty pleas meant the victim had to endure the trauma of a trial and relive her ordeal in court. Her bravery and determination in giving evidence, plus the vital statements from other witnesses, has meant we have been able to convict her attackers and prevent them from harming anyone else.” As a result of the conviction, Bromfield has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

This case, reported by the Watford Observer, underscores the severe consequences for those who commit sexual violence against minors, with Hertfordshire Constabulary playing a key role in securing justice.