Across a month in August 2000, women subjected to some of the most heinous acts imaginable in public parks and toilets in Western Sydney.

Almost as shocking as the crimes, however, was that they were committed by a gang of teenagers whose ages varied from 19 to just 15 years of age.

Now 15 years later the Telegrah looks back at the group that terrorised a city.

Bilal Skaf was 19 years old when he was jailed in 2002. Referred to in the trial as the “master of ceremonies” for leading and orchestrating the rapes. Initially sentenced to 55 years, his sentence was reduced then increased. Now eligible for parole in February 2033.

Mohammed Skaf, then 17, the younger brother of Bilal Skaf, was used as bait to lure young women into the attacks. Judge Michael Finnane said: “His activities and those of the gang spread terror in Sydney.” He was sentenced to 32 years with a non parole period of 20 years. He is still in prison.

Mohamed Sanoussi, then 16, was sentenced to 21 years with a non-parole period of 12 years. Born without fingers on one hand, the court heard he told one rape victim during an attack “It’s my right”. He was released on parole in 2013 and with strict conditions not to have any contact with the “Brothers For Life” street gang.

Bell Hajeid, then 18, showed no remorse during his trial and smiled when he was sentenced to 23 years with a non-parole period of 15 years. He later had his sentence reduced on appeal.

Mahmoud Chami, then 18, was an apprentice bricklaying contractor nicknamed “Mambo” who was used to charm the girls with promises of marijuana or lifts home. Sentenced to 18 years with a non-parole period of 10½ years. He was released to parole in 2013.

Tayyab Sheikh, then 16, was initially sentenced to 15 years in prison with a non-parole period of nine years for his role in the August 30 rapes. He was one of the four men who raped the teen in the Bankstown toilet, the court heard. He was released on parole in 2007.

Mahmoud Sanoussi, then 15, and brother of Mohamed, was sentenced to 11¼ years, with 6½ years non-parole. He was released to parole in 2009 and but was sent back to prison in 2010 for drugs. He was again released only to be jailed again in February 2014 for bashing a cleaner at a smash repair.

Mohamed Ghanem, then 17, was described by Crown Prosecutor Margaret Cunneen as the “enthusiastic lieutenant’’ to ringleader Bilal Skaf. He was sentenced to 40 years with a minimum non-parole period of 26 years.

‘H’, 17, whose name is suppressed due being a young person with intellectual and mental disabilities, was sentenced to 25 years with a non-parole period of 15 years. He was released to parole in 2014 after serving 11 years in prison.

GANG RAPES WERE ‘WORSE THAN MURDER’

NINE of the rapists, including Bilal Skaf, were found guilty and sentenced to an unprecedented total of more than 240 years. Skaf’s initial sentence of 55 years was appealed and a 31-year sentence was imposed.

At least five other men involved in the rapes were never caught.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Telegraph Michael Finane, who presided over gang rape trials, spoke about the case for the first time.

Mr Keenan, who is no longer a judge, said it was the first time there had been an organised gang rape in the city.

“There had been gang rapes before but this was organised with almost military precision and the rapists were not under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” he said.

“They were not picking up women in hotels who appeared to be intoxicated, they weren’t taking advantage of just some situation that presented itself. They were actually going out and seeking victims and there was a plan and the plan involved the victims being handed over to other people during the course of the event so to speak.

“But I think for most people it was the fact that the girls were being kidnapped from streets and that they were then subjected to rape by groups of men in succession.”