The Public Prosecution Service has withdrawn attempted rape charges against two teenagers in Ballymena. The decision, announced Friday at Laganside Youth Court, follows what the PPS called "significant evidential developments" in the case against the 14- and 15-year-old boys, who had been in custody since June.
The teenagers were accused of attempting to rape a schoolgirl in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena, Co Antrim. The alleged incident sparked days of race-related anti-immigration rioting in the town, with sporadic violence spreading to other parts of Northern Ireland.
A PPS spokesperson confirmed the prosecution no longer meets the required evidential threshold. «We have recently been made aware of significant evidential developments in this case,» the spokesperson stated. «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 prosecution team and police investigation team met with the complainant and her family Friday morning to explain the decision. The PPS emphasized its obligation to continuously review cases as circumstances change. «The PPS has a duty to keep prosecution decisions under consideration and take into account any change in circumstances that occurs as the case proceeds,» the spokesperson said.
Appeal for Privacy
The PPS stressed all decisions were made independently and impartially in line with the code for prosecutors. Officials appealed to the public to respect the privacy of all young people involved. «Due to the importance of respecting the privacy, anonymity, and wellbeing of all the young people involved, including the complainant, the PPS will not be making any further comment,» the service stated. «We would appeal to the public not to engage in speculation, including online, about the case.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
