Charges against Romanian teenagers who were allegedly involved in a rape attempt that caused rioting have been dismissed.
Charges against Romanian teenagers who were allegedly involved in a rape attempt that caused rioting have been dismissed.
Charges of attempted rape against two adolescents from Romania, which caused huge disturbances in Northern Ireland due to ethnic motivations, have been dropped.
On June 7, the 14 and 15-year-old lads were charged with trying to rape a schoolgirl in Ballymena, County Antrim.
The youngster was allegedly pulled down an alleyway into a garage during a prior court appearance, but she managed to get away when her would-be attackers were startled and fled.
However, "significant evidential developments" in Belfast Youth Court on Friday allowed the Public Prosecution Service to terminate criminal charges against the two.
After being detained for more than five months, the teenagers will today be released from the juvenile detention facility.
The next day, another young person who is suspected of being involved in the alleged attack is thought to have escaped to Romania.
Due to their ages, none of the accused can be named.
Widespread racially motivated incidents occurred in the town after the alleged assault, and they later expanded to other areas of Northern Ireland.
"We have recently been made aware of significant evidential developments in this case," a Public Prosecution Service (PPS) official stated.
"It has been decided that the prosecution's evidentiary requirements are no longer met in light of this additional evidence, and as a result, the case should not move further.
"The prosecution team and the police investigation team met with the complainant and her family this morning to explain the reasons for the decision."
"Very sensitive case"
The attorneys for the accused did not oppose to the withdrawal request.
"The sooner this can be relayed to Woodlands [Juvenile Justice Centre] the sooner these two youths can be released," counsel stated.
George Conner, the district judge, acknowledged that "this is a very sensitive case" and stated that "the less I say about it the better."
According to Det. Ch. Inspector Stephanie Finlay, "reported sexual crime is taken extremely seriously and thoroughly investigated."
"Those who have experienced sexual offences are still urged to come forward and inform us.
"You will be dealt with sensitively and will be offered the appropriate additional support."
"I would remind everyone to remain respectful in light of today's decision, and refrain from speculation, particularly on social media," she said.
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