MLA Jon Burrows urges calm after charges withdrawn against two teenagers in Ballymena case

North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows

North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows has appealed for calm following the Public Prosecution Service’s decision to withdraw attempted rape charges against two teenage boys in relation to a reported sexual assault in Ballymena earlier this year.

The charges, stemming from allegations reported on 7th June 2025, were formally withdrawn at Laganside Youth Court on Friday, 28 November, after what the PPS described as “significant evidential developments”.

Both the PPS and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) met with the complainant and her family to outline the reasons behind the decision.

Mr Burrows said the development comes at a “sensitive and deeply traumatic time” for the Ballymena community.

“I acknowledge today’s decision by the Public Prosecution Service regarding the withdrawal of charges in this case. This is a sensitive and deeply traumatic time for many people in the Ballymena community, and wider speculation or commentary would not be appropriate,” he said.

“We all remember the deeply troubling scenes of violence that followed the initial allegations. This violence caused fear, destruction, and led to over 100 arrests. Those events should never be repeated for the sake of our community.”

He added that he had spoken earlier in the day with both a member of the victim’s family and the local police commander, and would be engaging directly with the PPS “to fully understand the circumstances behind this development.”

“My appeal to everyone is simple. Remain calm over the weekend. Respect the rule of law and allow due process to take its course.”

PSNI: Public Urged Not to Speculate

Detective Chief Inspector Stephanie Finlay of the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch underlined the service’s commitment to investigating all reports of sexual crime thoroughly.

“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.”

She urged victims of sexual crime to continue coming forward and highlighted the importance of respectful public discourse.

“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.”

PPS: Test for Prosecution “No Longer Met”

A PPS spokesperson said all decisions in the case had been taken “independently, impartially and in line with the Code for Prosecutors”.

“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.

“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 spokesperson confirmed that all charges against both defendants were formally withdrawn at Laganside Youth Court on Friday.

They added that due to the age of those involved and the “importance of respecting the privacy, anonymity, and well-being of all the young people involved”, the PPS would not be making further comment.

The public has been urged not to speculate online about the case.