The PPS and police have issued statements following the decision
Attempted rape charges against two Romanian teenagers have been withdrawn after “significant” new evidence has emerged, the PPS has said.
The two teenagers were charged following reports of a sexual assault that took place in the Ballymena area on Saturday, June 7, when it was claimed that a teenage girl was sexually assaulted by three males.
Following the incident, there was widespread rioting and disorder in Ballymena and across Northern Ireland, with immigrant homes being targeted and attacked. Two teens were arrested and charged following the incident with a third believed to have fled the country.
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However, now the charges against the two teenage boys have been formally withdrawn with the PPS saying this is due to ‘significant evidential developments’
Both the PPS and senior Public Protection Branch detectives have met with the reporting party and her family today to discuss this decision. They have now issued statements explaining the decision citing “significant evidential developments in the case”.
A PPS spokesperson said: “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. Where new information or evidence becomes available, it will be considered along with all the existing information and evidence in the case and the Test for Prosecution applied.
“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.
“All charges faced by both defendants have been formally withdrawn at Laganside Youth Court today (28 November 2025).
“All PPS decisions in this case were taken independently, impartially and in line with the Code for Prosecutors.
“Due to the importance of respecting the privacy, anonymity, and well-being of all the young people involved, including the complainant, the PPS will not be making any further comment. We would appeal to the public not to engage in speculation, including online, about the case.”
Detective Chief Inspector Stephanie Finlay from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Public Protection Branch said: “Any reported sexual crime is taken extremely seriously and thoroughly investigated by our specially trained team of detectives. “The Police Service of Northern Ireland will follow up on all lines of enquiry as we seek to ensure justice. “Information gathered during an investigation will be submitted to the Public Prosecution Service who then make an independent decision in accordance with evidential tests. “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. “We will listen, treat you with respect and act to keep you and others safe. “We are aware that this case has generated significant public interest. I would remind everyone to remain respectful in light of today’s decision, and refrain from speculation, particularly on social media.”
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