From Romania Teens Charged in Rape Attempt That Ignited Unrest See Case Withdrawn
Attempted rape charges facing two Romanian teenagers, that sparked widespread race-related disturbances across Northern Ireland, have been discontinued.
The adolescents, aged 14 and 15, faced allegations of attempting to rape a female student in the town of Ballymena, in Antrim County on the seventh of June.
It has come to our attention of crucial factual updates in this matter.
During earlier legal proceedings allegations surfaced that the girl was forced into a narrow passage to a storage building, but escaped when the alleged assailants were noticed and fled.
However, the Public Prosecution Service received approval to end criminal proceedings against both youths due to "important new evidence", at Belfast's juvenile court on last Friday.
The two adolescents will now be released from the youth custody facility where they have been held for a period exceeding five months.
Judicial Process
A third individual, who is suspected to be involved in the reported incident, is believed to have fled to Romania within 24 hours.
Neither defendant may be named because of their youth.
Following the alleged assault, extensive racially-motivated protests occurred in the town before reaching other parts of Northern Ireland.
Official Statement
Representatives from the prosecution service said:
- We were informed of important new evidence in this case
- In light of this new evidence, it has been determined that the legal threshold for prosecution cannot be satisfied on factual basis
- Legal representatives and police authorities met with the complainant and her family recently to detail the justification for this outcome
Judicial Review
The youths' lawyers raised no objection to the request to drop charges.
"Once this decision is communicated to the youth center the sooner the defendants can be released," counsel said.
The presiding judge commented "this matter requires careful handling", adding that "limited discussion is most appropriate".
