Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
TWO TEEN GIRLS ‘RAPED’ IN SAME PARK
Boy, 15, in court over alleged attack Police quiz man over second assault
THE PSNI is investigating two alleged sex attacks on teenage girls in the same park.
Officers said they are working with council staff to ensure St Columb’s in Derry is safe after the 17-year-olds reported they were assaulted at the weekend. A boy, 15, has appeared in court charged with rape over one alleged attack while a 20-year-old man has been arrested over the other. A PSNI spokesman said there is “no link between the incidents and in both cases detectives were able to locate
and quickly arrest suspects”. Police said the first alleged incident took place on Friday with the “second report” received on Sunday night. Superintendent Gordon Mccalmont added: “As those cases are now subject to the legal process, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further. “However, it is not the case people frequenting St Columb’s Park should be alarmed or reluctant to visit. “Local police work closely with park wardens and other relevant statutory agencies on an ongoing basis to try to ensure the park is a safe environment for all.
MEASURES
“We will meet with our partners in the coming days to collectively examine how we can continue to improve in this area and if extra measures can be implemented. “The park forms part of our regular patrols and officers carry out frequent checks of the area.” Earlier yesterday, a 15-year-old boy appeared at Derry Magistrate’s Court accused of raping a 17-year-old at the park on Friday night. He denies the charge. A detective constable said the girl had told police she went there at 6.30pm with friends. The court heard she drank half a bottle of vodka and a quarter bottle of rum and that by 10.30pm she was drunk. The hearing was told she met the defendant and they went for a walk. The girl said he kissed her on the neck and tried to pull down her tights. She asked him to stop but the accused pushed against her and they both fell into bushes where he allegedly raped her. The boy was released on his own bail of £200 together with a cash surety of £500 until his next court appearance on May 23.