Romanian teens accused of rape attempt that sparked riots have charges dropped

Attempted rape charges against two Romanian teenagers, that sparked widespread racially-motivated riots across Northern Ireland, have been withdrawn.

The boys, aged 14 and 15, were accused of attempting to rape a schoolgirl in Ballymena, County Antrim on 7 June.

In a previous court hearing there were claims that the girl was dragged down an alleyway into a garage, but escaped when her would-be attackers were disturbed and ran off.

However, the Public Prosecution Service was granted permission to end criminal proceedings against the pair due to “significant evidential developments”, at Belfast Youth Court on Friday.

The teenagers will now be released from the juvenile detention centre where they have been held for more than five months.

Another youth, who is suspected to be involved in the alleged attack, is believed to have fled to Romania the next day.

None of the accused can be identified because of their ages.

Following the alleged assault widespread racially-motivated riots took place in the town before spreading to other parts of Northern Ireland.

A spokesperson for the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said: “We have recently been made aware of significant evidential developments in this case.

“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 the police investigation team met with the complainant and her family this morning to explain the reasons for the decision.”

The defendants’ barristers raised no objection to the withdrawal application.

“The sooner this can be relayed to Woodlands [Juvenile Justice Centre] the sooner these two youths can be released,” counsel said.

District Judge George Conner said he was aware “this is a very sensitive case”, adding that “the less I say about it the better”.

Det Ch Insp Stephanie Finlay said any “reported sexual crime is taken extremely seriously and thoroughly investigated”.

“We continue to encourage those who have been victims of sexual crimes to come forward and report to 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 added.

Monday 9 June

A peaceful protest is held in Ballymena, County Antrim, after two teenage boys appear before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl.

They spoke through an interpreter in Romanian to confirm their names and ages.

Their solicitor said they would be denying the charges.

Later in the day, violence breaks out when a number of people wearing masks break away from the peaceful protest, build barricades and attack properties on Clonavon Terrace.

People throw petrol bombs, bricks and fireworks at police.

Tuesday 10 June

Protesters attack police during another night of disorder in Ballymena. Cars are set on fire and the windows of several houses are smashed.

Police also deal with sporadic incidents of disorder in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus in County Antrim, and in north Belfast.

Wednesday 11 June

The worst of the disorder is again in Ballymena, but unrest also spreads to other towns.

In Larne, County Antrim, masked youths attack a leisure centre and set it on fire. The centre had been providing emergency shelter for families.

Police Scotland agrees to send officers to Northern Ireland to provide support.

Thursday 12 June

A fourth night of disorder, but at a lower level than seen earlier in the week.

About 400 protestors gather in the centre of Portadown, County Armagh. Bricks and masonry are thrown at police.

There is also a police presence in Ballymena, but the rioters stay away.

About 100 people turn up at an anti-racism protest in west Belfast, which passes off peacefully.

The home of a family with three children is set on fire in Coleraine.

Friday 13 June

Police in Portadown use water cannon to tackle rioters but the violence is again at a lower level than earlier in the week.

Police release photos of four suspects they want the public to help identify in connection with the disorder.

There is also violence in Derry, Newry, Newtownabbey and a car is set on fire in Belfast.

Saturday 14 June

There is “some sporadic disturbances” in parts of Northern Ireland on Saturday night, but at a much lower level than on previous nights, including an incident of attempted criminal damage to a vehicle in Carrickfergus.