Rochdale Rape Trial: Boys Accused of Joint Attack

A trial is underway at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court concerning the alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl in Rochdale in February 2024. Three boys, aged 12, 13, and 14 at the time of the alleged incident, are accused of taking turns to rape the girl near the Newbold tram stop Manchester Evening News.

Details of the Alleged Attack

Prosecutors allege that the three boys acted together in the assault. The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was reportedly attacked in bushes off a footpath near the Newbold tram stop ITV News. Part of the alleged attack was filmed on a mobile phone and subsequently shared Manchester Evening News.

Two of the defendants, now aged 15 and 16, are currently standing trial. The third, who was 12 at the time and is now 14, has been deemed unfit to plead Manchester Evening News. All three deny the charges.

Evidence Presented in Court

The jury was shown a 10-second Snapchat video filmed on the phone of one of the 16-year-old defendants. The video, played at both normal and slowed speeds, showed a hand touching the girl, and laughter could be heard Manchester Evening News. Prosecutors claim the boys “knew what consent meant” Manchester Evening News.

The court heard testimony from the girl’s mother, who described receiving a phone call while driving and hearing distress and screaming before being told her daughter had been raped. She stated her daughter told her, “Mum, they’ve done it to my bum and they hurt my bum. I was so frightened” Manchester Evening News.

Police Investigation

Greater Manchester Police initially arrested four boys, aged 12, 13, and 14 (two aged 14) on suspicion of rape following a report of an attack in the Newbold area of Rochdale on February 12, 2024 BBC News. Forensic officers examined a scene on Kingsway, and a police dog team searched undergrowth in the area. The area, near a supermarket car park and the Newbold Metrolink tram stop, was cordoned off BBC News.

Charges

The indictment includes five counts of rape, with three relating to each boy individually and two charged under joint enterprise Manchester Evening News.

The trial continues.