A TEENAGER who raped and murdered a 14-year-old schoolgirl after luring her to a park has today been named for the first time.

Ayman Aziz, 17, messaged Viktorija Sokolova on Facebook and battered her for two hours before dumping her body on a bench in Wolverhampton.

7 Ayman Aziz, pictured, was named for the first time today Credit: PA:Press Association

7 Viktorija Sokolova was just 14 when she was killed Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

He was handed a life sentence and ordered to serve at least 19 years behind bars at Wolverhampton Crown Court in February after being found guilty of her murder.

Aziz could not be identified in reports at the time as reporting restrictions because of his age were imposed.

Although the trial judge agreed to lift those restrictions, the teenager's lawyers challenged that decision and the restrictions remained in place pending an appeal.

NAMED FOR FIRST TIME

Adam Kane QC argued the reporting restrictions should not be lifted because they would have an adverse effect on Aziz's rehabilitation.

He also said the teenager, who has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, has been "bullied and threatened" in detention and has stopped attending educational classes as a result.

But the Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett and two other senior judges rejected Aziz's challenge at the Court of Appeal on Thursday, meaning he can now be named.

To realise you don't have your child any more, and never will again. Because she was my one and only daughter. Mum Karolina Valantiniene

The teenager denied any wrongdoing during a three-week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court but was found guilty by a jury on December 14 last year over the attack on Viktorija.

Lithuanian-born Viktorija - described in court by her mother as her "one and only" - was contacted by Aziz on Facebook Messenger and lured to Wolverhampton's West Park on April 11 2018.

She was savagely beaten in a pavilion before being dragged 150 yards to a bench, where her body was later discovered by a dog walker.



"SHOCKING ATTACK"

Sentencing Aziz, Mr Justice Jeremy Baker said the teenager carried out the "truly shocking" attack after watching pornography and carrying out internet research.

He was caught on CCTV as he attempted to cover up the offence by hiding bloodied clothing, having deleted Facebook messages and hurled his victim's phone towards a lake.

Detectives believe he used a hammer, which has never been found, to launch the assault on his victim - who suffered a fractured skull, brain injuries and shattered vertebrae.

Throughout his trial, Aziz showed no remorse, gave no evidence in his defence and simply nodded as he was ordered by the judge to be taken to the cells.

A MOTHER'S HEARTACHE: Karolina Valantiniene pays tribute to Viktorija Viktorija's mother today paid tribute to her "angel" daughter in a heartrenching statement made to the court. In it, the devastated mother said: "April 12 was the (most) horrible day of my life. "That day, I left for work as normal and was asked to go to the office. "My world fell apart. I wasn’t able to fully comprehend what was happening. "It felt like there was no tears left and my heart was torn to pieces. "She was dreaming about going to university and passing her driving test, her first new car. "There will never be her turning 18 and what about her future family and children? "I was scared and felt left alone. There will never be a Mother’s Day for me again and I have no idea how I will carry on my life now. "The time has stopped for me now as a desire to live. "Viktorija was the purpose of my life. I wanted to die together with her. "I never thought something terrible like this could happen to me."

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In a victim impact statement, Viktorija's mother Karolina Valantiniene said her daughter had "many beautiful plans for the future" - learning how to drive, finishing school - and she had spoken of "buying her a beautiful prom dress".

She added: "Many times, I've asked why are there such terrible people on the Earth.

"To realise you don't have your child any more, and never will again. Because she was my one and only daughter.

"Someone dared to raise his hand against her and take her away from me. Why?"

7 The young girl had been contacted by her killer on Facebook Credit: Enterprise News and Pictures

7 She had been lured to Wolverhampton's West Park in April last year Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

7 Tragic Viktorija Sokolova captured on CCTV shortly before her murder Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

7 Her blood-soaked white jeans and pink boots were found near her body the next day Credit: West Midlands Police

7 Viktorija Sokolova's mother Karolina Valantiniene and stepdad Saidas Valantinas Credit: SWNS:South West News Service