Boy appears in court accused of raping female child

By Q Radio News

However, while there is currently a single count against the boy relating to one complainant, the court was told there are potentially two other victims, with all three aged in-and-around the same. The matters in respect of the other two children, including dates of alleged offending, were not disclosed, except to say they are also of a sexual nature.

It is understood each matter is separate from the others.

The accused, who cannot be identified because of his age, is charged with raping the little girl on a date unknown in 2017.

An officer from the PSNI Public Protection Unit confirmed the charge could be connected.

Detailing bail terms, he conceded a complete ban on the accused having contact with any child would be difficult to manage, and suggested this should instead be “no contact without the supervision of an adult”.

It was pointed out this could in effect mean bail would be breached if a child inadvertently approached the accused, to which the officer replied, “We believe it is important the bail conditions are appropriately managed. There are three separate, serious offences against other juveniles.”

Following legal discussion, the judge decided the condition should be a ban on child contact “without reasonable excuse” and with prior clearance by social services.

In addition, the boy is prohibited from contacting the complainant or any member of her family, directly or indirectly.

A lawyer appearing for the Public Prosecution Service said given the serious nature of the charge it will be moved to trial at crown court. She pointed out the young ages of all involved has been duly noted and matters are being expedited.

The boy was remanded on £300 bail with a family member ordered to sign a £300 surety.

The case will return to court in September.