Teen Trial: Rape Allegations in Manchester

0:00On March 8th, a trial was underway in Manchester for two teenage boys accused of raping a 13-year-old girl near a tram stop in Rochdale back in. February, 2024. The boys, now 15 and 16, along with a third who was 12 at the time and is now 14, allegedly took turns attacking her in nearby. Bushes, after meeting on a tram. Prosecutors say the group acted together without her consent, and part of the assault was captured in a short mobile phone video that they shared. Among themselves and others. The younger boys been ruled unfit to stand trial, but jurors will decide if he took part or encouraged it. All three deny the five rape charges, including joint enterprise counts. Prosecutors told the court the girl clearly said no, and appeared scared and panicked. Overpowered after a brief encounter with the boys, she did not. No well. They claim it was obvious she did not agree, despite the defense arguing she consented to some activity and even started it. A friend who was with her stepped in to stop the attack, causing the older two boys to run off.

1:03The case opened with details of CCTV showing the group together before heading off the tram at Newbold stop. The girl gave emotional pre-recorded evidence, denying any flirting or willingness, saying she felt uncomfortable and in shock, unable to shout or. Fight back right away. Her friend described hearing cries in one boy saying, let me have a go, then pulling her out of the bushes. The girl's mother broke down, recalling the frantic call she got, rushing to find her daughter distressed and in pain, leading straight to police and hospital. Jurors viewed the 10 second Snapchat clip from one boy's phone, showing laughter and contact with the girl, played at different speeds for clarity. Defense lawyers questioned why she did not scream or resist more, but she explained freezing up in the moment. The trial continues as both sides present more evidence, with the boys maintaining their innocence on all counts. The trial continues as both sides present more evidence, and she felt uncomfortable and in pain, leading straight to police and hospital.