Two Romanian teenagers aged 14 have appeared in court charged with attempted rape that prompted riots in the Northern Irish town of Ballymena.
The defendants, appearing at Ballymena Youth Court by video link from custody, heard that because of their age and that of their alleged victim the case should be speeded up.
The two teenagers, who cannot be identified because of their ages, are jointly charged with attempted oral rape of the girl on June 7 this year in Northern Ireland.
According to a police statement at the time, the alleged victim was subjected to a ‘serious sexual assault’ in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena, Co Antrim, some time between 7.30pm and 10.30pm that Saturday evening.
Hours after the pair first appeared in court on June 9, serious rioting and public disorder erupted in Ballymena – and Romanian families fled their homes on Clonavon Terrace.
Three nights of disturbances included houses being attacked and cars burned – with Police Service of Northern Ireland riot squads facing angry mobs hurling missiles, including petrol bombs, fireworks, masonry and bottles.
During the brief hearing this morning, the teenagers’ defence solicitor confirmed the defendants’ parents were watching proceedings online.
A prosecuting lawyer told District Judge Nigel Broderick that while the full file was requested last month, ‘this will be a serious crime unit file’.
Three nights of disturbances included houses being attacked and cars burned in the Northern Irish town of Ballymena last month
Fireworks were seen being at riot police in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, on June 11
PSNI officers are pictured standing behind armoured police vehicles on June 10 in Ballymena
She said that while there was ‘a target date’, she suggested it was not realistic and that one would be supplied on the next occasion.
The lawyer also told the judge a video interview with the alleged victim was not yet on the file, adding: ‘That’s something the PPS will look at.’
It was heard that the next Youth Court is in five weeks – and yet when a defendant is in custody, they can only be remanded for a maximum of four weeks at a time.
Judge Broderick adjourned the case for two weeks to July 16 for further review.
He warned that, given the ages of the parties concerned including the defendants and the complainant, the proceedings should be prioritised as a ‘purple file case’.
In response to last month’s riots, the official spoesman for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on June 10: ‘The disorder we saw in Ballymena is very concerning.
‘Reports of sexual assault in the area are extremely distressing but there is no justification for attacks on police officers while they continue to protect local communities.
‘The PSNI and the justice system must be allowed to carry out their jobs.
Masked and hooded youths launch an attack on a house in Ballymena as protests became riots
Social media footage showed a fire raging inside one house. Masked youths were seen smashing windows and setting curtains alight
Firefighters attempt to put out fires in streets and houses in the Northern Irish town on June 9
‘Our thoughts are with the victims of the assault as well as the police officers who were injured.’
He added: ‘Ministers and colleagues are in touch with counterparts.’
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said at the time: ‘The shocking scenes of disorder on the streets of Ballymena have to be condemned in the strongest terms.
‘This is not the way. People have been injured and public property damaged.
‘We are engaging with groups that have been affected by this disorder and we are gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage to progress criminal investigations.
‘I want to put on record my appreciation and gratitude to our officers who were determined to restore order to the town in the most challenging of circumstances with bricks, furniture and petrol bombs all thrown in their direction.
‘They worked fearlessly to try to bring calm to the most volatile of situations.
‘I’m also grateful to our partners in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for their support through-out.
Officers were called to deal with public disorder in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, on June 9
One of four properties set alight and attacked in Ballymena on June 9 after the alleged attempted rape of a local girl sparked protests in Northern Ireland
‘I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday’s rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions.
‘Violence and disorder will only place people at greater risk. Our priority is to keep the community safe and we need everyone to work with us.
‘We want better for Ballymena and Northern Ireland.
‘Anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101.’
