ReutersCharges of attempted rape have been dropped against two Romanian teenagers, who sparked widespread racially motivated riots across Northern Ireland.
The boys, aged 14 and 15, were accused of trying to rape a schoolgirl in Ballymena, County Antrim, on June 7.
At a previous court hearing it was claimed the girl was dragged down an alley to a garage but escaped when her would-be attackers were disturbed and fled.
However, on Friday at Belfast Children’s Court the Crown Prosecution Service was granted permission to end criminal proceedings against the couple due to “significant evidentiary developments”.
The teens will now be released from the juvenile detention center where they were held for more than five months.
Another young man, suspected of being involved in the alleged attack, is believed to have fled to Romania the following day.
None of the accused can be identified due to their ages.
Following the alleged attack, widespread racially motivated aggression occurred in the city before spreading to other parts of Northern Ireland.
fake imagesA spokesperson for the Public Prosecutor’s Office (PPS) stated: “We have recently become aware of important evidentiary advances in this case.
“In light of this new evidence, it has been determined that the test for prosecution is no longer met in evidentiary terms 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.”
Reuters“Very delicate case”
The defendants’ attorneys did not present any objections to the motion to dismiss.
“The sooner this can be transmitted to Woodlands [Juvenile Justice Centre] the sooner these two young people can be released,” said the lawyer.
District Judge George Conner said he was aware that “this is a very sensitive case” and added that “the less said about it, the better.”
Inspector Stephanie Finlay said: “Any reported sexual offense is taken very seriously and investigated thoroughly.”
“We continue to encourage those who have been victims of sexual crimes to come forward and report us.
“You will be treated gently and offered appropriate additional support.”
“I would remind everyone to be respectful of today’s decision and to refrain from speculation, especially on social media,” he added.
