Second man charged in Ballykeel teen sexual assault case

A second man has been charged in connection with the serious sexual assault of a teenage girl in the Ballykeel area of Ballymena on Saturday 24 May 2025, police have confirmed.

According to a statement released by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), detectives investigating the incident have now charged a man in his 30s to appear before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning, 27 June.

A PSNI spokesperson said:

“Detectives investigating the report of a serious sexual assault of a teenage girl in the Ballykeel area on Saturday 24th May, have charged a second man in his 30s to court.”

Love Ballymena sought clarity on the charges from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, but specific details of the charges are being withheld at this time.

As with all criminal proceedings in Northern Ireland, the charges will be subject to review by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).

Ongoing investigation

The latest court appearance follows the earlier charging and remand of Garry Luna, a 36-year-old Filipino national, who appeared at Limavady Magistrates’ Court earlier this week in connection with the same incident. Luna faces multiple allegations including sexual communication with minors, sexual assault, and facilitating sexual activity involving a child.

Police have stated that investigations remain ongoing and that officers are continuing to work with specialist units to support the victims and gather further evidence.

Court proceedings and legal process

The second accused will appear in Coleraine Magistrates’ Court where he is expected to be formally presented with charges. As is standard legal procedure, these charges will undergo assessment by the PPS to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

The PSNI has not ruled out further arrests or developments in the case as enquiries continue.