Snapchat Video Allegedly Showing Attack Played in Court After Mother's Testimony
A 10-second Snapchat video, which prosecutors assert captures part of an alleged assault on a girl by three boys aged 12, 13, and 14 at the time, was presented to jurors at Minshull Street Crown Court. This followed emotional testimony from the victim's mother, who described her daughter as "so frightened" after the incident. The boys, who cannot be identified due to legal restrictions, deny all charges against them.
Details of the Alleged Incident and Court Proceedings
Prosecutors allege that the boys "took it in turns" to rape the then 13-year-old girl in bushes near the Newbold tram stop in Rochdale in February 2024. According to the prosecution, a portion of the alleged attack was recorded on a mobile phone and later "shared amongst themselves" and "others." The video was played twice at normal speed and once in slow motion during the trial, with jurors hearing laughter and a voice uttering explicit language, while a hand was seen touching the girl's bottom.
Kim Whittlestone, the prosecutor, informed the jury that the footage provides "an insight into the attitude of the defendants." She stated that the now 15 and 16-year-olds "are guilty of rape" and understood consent, but the defence claims the girl consented to some sexual activity and instigated it. The indictment includes five counts of rape, with three counts pertaining to each boy and two charged as "joint enterprise."
Mother's Heartbreaking Account and Legal Developments
The girl's mother testified about receiving a distressing call after the alleged incident, with a relative "screaming" and revealing that her daughter had been raped. She described stopping her car in the middle of the road, feeling unable to function, and rushing to the scene where her daughter was waiting with police. The mother recounted her daughter saying, "Mum, they've done it to my bum and they hurt my bum," and emphasized her daughter's fear and distress.
Of the three boys, two are currently on trial, while the third, who was 12 at the time and is now 14, has been deemed unfit to stand trial. The jury will determine whether he "did the act" and encouraged it without consent. The court also heard that a friend intervened to halt the events, and the older boys fled the scene. Prosecutors noted the girl was "not asked if she consented to filming," highlighting concerns over digital evidence and youth behaviour in such cases.
