Three boys, aged 12, 13, and 14, are accused of assaulting a girl, with prosecutors presenting a Snapchat video as evidence during a rape trial. The incident allegedly took place near a tram stop in Rochdale in February 2024. The boys are said to have recorded part of the attack on a mobile phone and shared the footage among themselves and others.
The boys, whose identities are protected by legal restrictions, deny the charges brought against them. Two of them, now aged 15 and 16, are currently on trial, while the third, who was 12 at the time and is now 14, has been deemed unfit to stand trial.
According to the prosecution, the boys allegedly took turns assaulting the girl in bushes, with one recording the incident on a phone. The footage was later circulated among the boys and others. The prosecution argues that the older boys understood the concept of consent and are guilty of rape.
Witness testimony from the victim’s mother described receiving a distressing call about the incident, causing her immense shock and distress. The mother recounted finding her daughter in a state of fear and pain, leading to immediate hospitalization.
The trial involves five counts of rape, with specific charges against each boy and joint enterprise charges. Despite the serious allegations, each boy denies the accusations against them.
