Two teenagers found guilty of rape and sexual assault

Monday 04 September 2023

Two teenage boys have been found guilty of the rape, sexual assault and common assault of a teenage girl, following a trial which lasted more than two weeks.

Jurats found that the girl didn’t give consent due to intoxication, but the boys knowingly continued.

The pair denied all counts and were of previous good character.

Three different versions of events were presented to the court, with the victim's principal evidence being an interview with the police.

The prosecution case was that both boys committed the offences in a field on a July evening last year. All three were 14 years old at the time.

Prosecuting Advocate Jenny McVeigh said it was a “harrowing account of physical and sexual assault”.

D1’s defence was that all activities were consensual and D2 also claimed there was consensual sexual activity, including sex between D1 and the girl, but he hadn’t participated in any way.

All parties accepted the trio were drunk when the offences occurred and that the boys had carried the girl home afterwards.

Pictured: The lengthy trial was heard in the Royal Court.

Judge Catherine Fooks said there was no doubt over the girls injuries, and it was only how they were caused that was in dispute. She also noted that there were “starkly different” accounts of events from each person.

D1 was found guilty on two counts of rape, one of sexual assault, and one of assault, while D2 was found guilty on one count each of rape, sexual assault, and assault.

Both boys were made subject to a sexual offenders notification order, which requires them to supply various personal details to the police periodically. 

Sentencing will take place on the morning of 17 November, with a youth justice report to be prepared ahead of that.

The pair were bailed with similar conditions after they were charged; not to contact the victim directly or indirectly, not to leave the island unless agreed, and to not have unsupervised contact with people under the age of 16.

Guernsey Police

Guernsey Police have since released a statement, indicating that they take incidents like this "incredibly seriously".

A spokesperson said: "Officers worked very hard to investigate this matter and secure best evidence to help the prosecution in presenting the case.

"Specialist officers have also been supporting the victim throughout the investigation and court process.

"If you have been the victim of any kind of sexual offence, you can report it by calling 01481 222222 or by attending Police Headquarters in person."

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