The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in Northern Ireland has announced it will withdraw charges against two teenagers accused of attempted rape, a case that ignited several nights of severe rioting in the town of Ballymena.
Case Details and Court Proceedings
The two boys, aged 14 and 15, had been held in custody since their initial court appearance in June. During that hearing, they required the assistance of a Romanian interpreter. The alleged incident, which was reported to have occurred on Saturday, 7 June in Ballymena, Co Antrim, involved a schoolgirl and led to widespread community tension.
This tension quickly escalated into racially-motivated rioting in Ballymena, with the unrest spreading to other areas across Northern Ireland over several days. Images of riot police confronting protesters became a common sight during the prolonged disturbances.
Evidential Developments Force Case Review
In a statement released on Friday 28 November 2025, a spokesperson for the PPS confirmed the decision to drop the charges. The key reason cited was significant evidential developments that had recently come to light.
The PPS explained its process, stating: 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. After a thorough review, the service concluded that the test for prosecution was no longer met on evidential grounds, leaving no alternative but to discontinue the case.
Police Response and Victim Support
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) publicly acknowledged the PPS's decision. In their own statement, they confirmed that senior detectives from the Public Protection Branch, along with the PPS, had met with the reporting party and her family to inform them of the development.
Detective Chief Inspector Stephanie Finlay emphasised the police's ongoing commitment. The Police Service of Northern Ireland will follow up on all lines of enquiry as we seek to ensure justice, she said. She further clarified the roles in the legal process, noting that police submit gathered information to the PPS, which then makes an independent decision based on the evidence.
Despite this case's outcome, the PSNI continues to encourage victims of sexual crimes to come forward, assuring the public that they will be dealt with sensitively and offered appropriate support.
