Charges withdrawn against two boys in Ballymena attempted rape case, say PSNI and PPS

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has formally withdrawn attempted rape charges brought against two juvenile boys in connection with a reported sexual assault in Ballymena earlier this year.

The charges, which related to an alleged incident on Saturday 7th June 2025, were withdrawn at Laganside Youth Court on Friday, 28 November.

Both the PPS and senior detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) Public Protection Branch met with the complainant and her family to explain the decision.

Detective Chief Inspector Stephanie Finlay said the PSNI acknowledged the PPS decision and emphasised the seriousness with which all reports of sexual crime are treated.

“Any reported sexual crime is taken extremely seriously and thoroughly investigated by our specially trained team of detectives,” she said.

“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.”

DCI Finlay encouraged victims of sexual offences to continue coming forward:

“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.”

Acknowledging the significant public attention surrounding the case, she also urged the public to “remain respectful in light of today’s decision, and refrain from speculation, particularly on social media.”

PPS: Test for Prosecution “No Longer Met”

A PPS spokesperson said the agency has a responsibility to keep prosecution decisions under continuous review, especially when new information emerges.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

“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.”

They added:

“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.”

The PPS stressed the importance of preserving the anonymity and well-being of all young people involved and said it would not be making further comment.

“We would appeal to the public not to engage in speculation, including online, about the case,” the spokesperson added.

The case stemmed from a report of a serious sexual assault in Ballymena on 7th June 2025.