LAST UPDATE
|
15 hrs ago
THE CHARGES AGAINST two teenagers who were accused of attempting to rape a schoolgirl in Ballymena, County Antrim, in June have been formally withdrawn after new evidence in the case came to light.
The incident and accusations against the two teenagers, who used a Romanian translator in court, led to large, racially motivated riots in Northern Ireland during the summer.
A peaceful protest in the town over the alleged assault was followed by attacks on police and properties housing ethnic minorities, which were described by police at the time as “racist thuggery”.
The disturbances lasted for several nights and spread to other areas of Northern Ireland including Portadown, Larne, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Derry and Coleraine.
Since then, 100 arrests have been made in connection with the riots.
The the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said today that there had been “significant evidential developments” in the case.
The boys are aged 14 and 15 and have been in custody since they first appeared in court in June.
A PPS spokesperson said: “The PPS has a duty to keep prosecution decisions under consideration and take into account any change in circumstances that occurs as the case proceeds.
“Where new information or evidence becomes available, it will be considered along with all the existing information and evidence in the case and the test for prosecution applied.
“We have recently been made aware of significant evidential developments in this case.
“In light of this new evidence, it has been determined that the test for prosecution is no longer met on evidential grounds, and therefore the case should not proceed.
“The prosecution team and the police investigation team met with the complainant and her family this morning to explain the reasons for the decision.”
All charges faced by both defendants were formally withdrawn at Laganside Youth Court today.
The PPS added: “All PPS decisions in this case were taken independently, impartially and in line with the code for prosecutors.
“Due to the importance of respecting the privacy, anonymity, and wellbeing of all the young people involved, including the complainant, the PPS will not be making any further comment.
“We would appeal to the public not to engage in speculation, including online, about the case.”
Both boys had been accused of attempting to orally rape the girl.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said the person who reported the alleged assault has been contacted.
Both the PPS and senior Public Protection Branch detectives have met with the reporting party and her family today to discuss this decision, a PSNI spokesperson said.
Detective chief inspector Stephanie Finlay from the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch said: “Any reported sexual crime is taken extremely seriously and thoroughly investigated by our specially trained team of detectives.
She said police will follow up on ”all lines of enquiry as we seek to ensure justice”.
“Information gathered during an investigation will be submitted to the Public Prosecution Service, who then make an independent decision in accordance with evidential tests.
“We continue to encourage those who have been victims of sexual crimes to come forward and report to us. You will be dealt with sensitively and will be offered the appropriate additional support.
“We will listen, treat you with respect and act to keep you and others safe.
“We are aware that this case has generated significant public interest. I would remind everyone to remain respectful in light of today’s decision, and refrain from speculation, particularly on social media.”
With reporting from Press Association
