Overview
- The Public Prosecution Service told the youth court it had identified significant evidential developments that meant the prosecution test was not satisfied.
- All charges were formally withdrawn at the Belfast youth court, and the PPS said it would make no further comment to protect the privacy of those involved.
- The defendants, aged 14 and 15, had been held in custody since June and are to be released from the juvenile justice centre following the court order.
- Prosecutors and the police investigation team met the complainant and her family to explain the decision and urged the public not to speculate about the case.
- The alleged June incident in Ballymena previously triggered race-related disorder, and reporting has noted a third suspect is believed to have left for Romania.