Charges dropped against third youth in alleged attempted rape case

Authorities have ceased efforts to extradite a third individual connected to an alleged attempted sexual assault that ignited racially-driven disturbances across Northern Ireland. Charges against two Romanian teenagers, aged 14 and 15, for attempting to assault a schoolgirl in Ballymena, County Antrim on 7 June, were dismissed last week.

In October, court documents revealed that another suspect left for Romania through Dublin Airport the day after the incident, and police had been seeking his return. However, it is now reported that extradition proceedings have been suspended.

During earlier court sessions regarding the two teenagers, it was stated that the girl had been pulled into an alley leading to a garage but managed to escape when the attackers were interrupted. Due to their ages, the identities of the accused are protected.

The alleged assault triggered significant racially-fueled riots in Ballymena, which later extended to other areas of Northern Ireland.

Author: Sophia Brooks