Alleged Teenage Rapist Granted Bail by High Court

A Co Antrim teenager accused of a series of serious sexual offences against a teenage girl has been granted bail following a High Court hearing in Belfast.

The 19-year-old, from Ballyclare, faces 15 charges, including rape, sexual assault, sexual activity with a child, non-fatal strangulation, common assault, threats to kill, and offences relating to indecent images of children.

Court Proceedings in Belfast

The accused first appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, where District Judge George Conner granted bail.

However, as the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) indicated its intention to appeal the decision, the teenager was remanded in custody.

The bail decision was reconsidered on Tuesday at the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland by Mr Justice McAlinden.

Allegations Before the Court

The court heard that the accused was initially arrested in August last year in connection with allegations involving indecent images of children. At that time, he was released on bail with conditions prohibiting contact with anyone under 18.

Prosecutors said that further allegations later emerged, claiming the teenage schoolgirl had been raped and sexually assaulted on multiple occasions over the course of a year.

It was alleged the complainant was attacked at a friend’s house on two separate occasions, supplied with alcohol while the accused consumed very little, and then sexually assaulted.

The High Court was told that one alleged incident was recorded on a mobile phone without the girl’s knowledge. Prosecutors said the complainant reported that she appeared unconscious in the footage, as she was “not moving.”

Further allegations included claims that the teenager threatened the girl by holding a shotgun to her head and a machete to her throat.

Prosecution Concerns

Crown counsel told the court that the PPS and police objected to bail due to:

• The risk of further alleged offences
• Concerns over witness interference
• The complainant’s vulnerabilities

They argued these factors justified continued detention.

Defence Submissions

Defence KC Gavan Duffy told the court that the bail conditions imposed by the Magistrates’ Court were sufficient to mitigate police concerns.

He said the accused had a suitable bail address where he would be under constant parental supervision. The court also heard that the teenager has diagnoses of ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome.

Mr Duffy added that, given the complex issues in the case and the low likelihood of a Crown Court trial taking place this year, bail could be safely managed with appropriate safeguards.

Judge’s Decision

Mr Justice McAlinden described the allegations as “significant and very serious,” involving violence and sexual offences against a minor, including alleged threats with weapons.

However, after considering all submissions, he said the court was minded to grant bail.

Strict Bail Conditions Imposed

Bail was granted in the sum of £500, subject to extensive conditions, including:

• Residence at an approved address
• Continuous supervision by either parent
• A curfew with electronic tagging
• No access to the internet
• A ban on alcohol
• No contact with the complainant
• Mandatory engagement with a GP and mental health services

What Happens Next

The case has been classified as a “purple file,” meaning it will be fast-tracked through the court system.

It is next due to be mentioned on 20 March.