Teenagers accused of attempted rape in incident which led to Ballymena riots to have charges withdrawn

Two teenagers who were accused of attempting to rape a schoolgirl in an incident which led to racially-motivated rioting in Northern Ireland will have the charges withdrawn, the Public Prosecution Service has said.

The incident sparked several days of unrest in Ballymena, Co Antrim, which also led to further outbreaks of violence in other parts of Northern Ireland.

The boys, aged 14 and 15, had been in custody since they first appeared in court in June, when they addressed the court through a Romanian interpreter.

A PPS spokesperson said there had been “significant evidential developments” in the case.

They added: “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 rioting injured officers after masked rioters had thrown missiles, and also led to multiple arrests and charges.

‘Detectives have met with the reporting party’

In a statement the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: “The Police Service of Northern Ireland acknowledges the decision taken by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) today, Friday 28 November, to withdraw the charges of attempted rape brought against two juvenile boys.

“The charges related to a sexual assault which was reported to have occurred in Ballymena on Saturday, 7 June.

“Both the PPS and senior Public Protection Branch detectives have met with the reporting party and her family today to discuss this decision.”

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Detective Chief Inspector Stephanie Finlay from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Public Protection Branch said: “The Police Service of Northern Ireland 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.”