Key Takeaways
- The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has withdrawn charges against two teenagers accused of attempting to rape a schoolgirl in Northern Ireland
- The incident led to several days of unrest and rioting in Ballymena, Co Antrim, and other parts of Northern Ireland
- The PPS cited "significant evidential developments" as the reason for withdrawing the charges
- The Police Service of Northern Ireland has acknowledged the decision and will continue to follow up on all lines of enquiry to ensure justice
- The police are encouraging victims of sexual crimes to come forward and report incidents, promising to deal with them sensitively and offer support
Introduction to the Incident
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has announced that it will be withdrawing charges against two teenagers who were accused of attempting to rape a schoolgirl in an incident that sparked several days of rioting in Northern Ireland. The incident occurred in June and led to unrest in Ballymena, Co Antrim, as well as other parts of the region. The two boys, aged 14 and 15, had been in custody since their first court appearance, where they addressed the court through a Romanian interpreter. The PPS has cited "significant evidential developments" as the reason for withdrawing the charges, stating that the test for prosecution is no longer met on evidential grounds.
The Decision to Withdraw Charges
The PPS spokesperson explained that when new information or evidence becomes available, it is considered along with all existing information and evidence in the case, and the test for prosecution is applied. In this case, the new evidence has led to the determination that the test for prosecution is no longer met, and therefore the case should not proceed. The decision to withdraw the charges has been made after careful consideration of all the available evidence, and the PPS is confident that it is the right decision. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has acknowledged the decision and has stated that it will continue to follow up on all lines of enquiry to ensure justice.
The Impact of the Incident
The incident had a significant impact on the community, leading to several days of rioting and unrest in Ballymena and other parts of Northern Ireland. The rioting resulted in injuries to officers, with masked rioters throwing missiles and petrol bombs. Multiple arrests and charges were made in connection with the disorder. The incident also had a profound effect on the victims and their families, who were left to deal with the aftermath of the trauma and violence. The police have acknowledged the impact of the incident and have encouraged victims of sexual crimes to come forward and report incidents, promising to deal with them sensitively and offer support.
The Police Response
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has been working closely with the PPS and other agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that justice is served. Detective Chief Inspector Stephanie Finlay from the Public Protection Branch stated that the police will continue to follow up on all lines of enquiry and gather evidence to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The police have also met with the reporting party and her family to discuss the decision to withdraw the charges and to offer support and guidance. The police are committed to ensuring that victims of sexual crimes are treated with dignity and respect, and that they receive the support and protection they need.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The withdrawal of the charges against the two teenagers is a significant development in the case, and it highlights the importance of careful consideration and thorough investigation in ensuring that justice is served. The Police Service of Northern Ireland and the PPS will continue to work together to ensure that all lines of enquiry are followed up and that those responsible for the incident are held accountable. The incident has also highlighted the need for ongoing support and protection for victims of sexual crimes, and the police are committed to providing this support and guidance to those who need it. As the community moves forward from this incident, it is essential that we prioritize the needs of the victims and work towards creating a safer and more just society for all.
