Two teenage boys raped girl, 14, in Vale field

The incident happened just off Le Petit Axce during the early evening when both boys, and the complainant, were aged 14.

All parties were intoxicated by alcohol at the time, and the offences were committed some time during a four-hour period.

Boy A was found guilty on two counts of rape, one of sexual assault, and one of common assault, all by unanimous verdicts. Boy B was convicted on a single charge of rape by a 6-2 majority, and of a sexual assault and common assault with unanimous decisions.

The trial had lasted for two weeks. Judge Catherine Fooks spent two hours yesterday summing up the case and directing the jurats. The court’s decision was announced about two hours later.

Boy B put his head in his hands as the verdict was read out, while boy A remained motionless.

Judge Fooks had reminded the jurats that all three parties had given very different accounts of what had happened. There was no dispute that all had been drinking and had intended to get drunk, and their respective levels of intoxication were relative to their ability to recall things accurately. It was not disputed that the girl had suffered injuries but how that had happened was contested.

After the incident, the boys started to walk the girl home. A couple who were driving past were so concerned when they saw the girl laying on a pavement with Boy A supporting her head, that they stopped to offer assistance. They thought some type of accident had occurred and called for an ambulance. Police were called just before 9pm.

Both defendants, who are now 15, were of previously good character.

Sentencing was deferred until November so youth justice reports could be prepared in respect of each.

The prosecution was content for their conditional bail to be extended until then. Conditions include no contact with the victim and no unsupervised contact with female children under the age of 16, other than what was unavoidable in the course of everyday life.

They will be subject to notification requirements with immediate effect.

Police said in a statement that it would always take these offences ‘incredibly seriously’.

‘Officers worked very hard to investigate this matter and secure best evidence to help the prosecution in presenting the case.’

Specialist officers supported the victim throughout the investigation and court process.

‘I would like to commend the complainant in this case for their courage in coming forwards,’ said DC Sue Marshall. ‘Sexual offences, and rape in particular, are always challenging, and we always endeavour to support victims and their families throughout the process.’