Attempted rape charges facing a pair of Romanian youths, that sparked widespread race-related riots across Northern Ireland, have been withdrawn.
These youths, in their mid-teens, were charged with attempting to rape a schoolgirl in the town of Ballymena, County Antrim on the seventh of June.
It has come to our attention of crucial factual updates in this matter.
At an initial court session allegations surfaced that the young woman was forced through a side street into a garage, but got away when the alleged assailants were disturbed and escaped.
Yet, prosecuting authorities was granted permission to terminate the case against the pair due to "crucial factual updates", at the youth court in Belfast on the recent Friday.
These young individuals will now be released from the juvenile detention centre where they have been in custody for more than five months.
Court Developments
An additional teenager, believed to have participated in the alleged attack, is thought to have left to Romania the next day.
None of the accused can be identified because of their youth.
After the reported incident, extensive race-related protests occurred in Ballymena before reaching different locations throughout Northern Ireland.
Prosecution Announcement
Officials at legal authorities stated:
- We were informed of important new evidence in this case
- In light of this new evidence, the conclusion has been reached that the legal threshold for prosecution is no longer met on evidential grounds
- Legal representatives and police authorities consulted the complainant and her family earlier today to clarify the basis behind this outcome
Judicial Review
The youths' lawyers did not oppose to the withdrawal application.
"The sooner this can be relayed to Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre the sooner these two youths may leave custody," counsel said.
Court authorities noted "this matter requires careful handling", stating that "limited discussion is most appropriate".
