15-year-old accused of raping woman
A boy aged 15 appeared in court today accused of raping and trying to kill a woman during a break-in at her home.
He was allegedly armed with a hammer, screwdriver and Stanley knife during the attack in north Belfast.
A second youth, aged 16, was also charged with attempted murder and aiding in the sex assault.
Both teenagers who cannot be named for legal reasons, face a further charge of stealing a handbag containing a purse, cash and credit cards.
The pair, from the north of the city, were arrested by police investigating the rape of a 36-year-old woman last Friday.
She was allegedly beaten and sexually assaulted after waking to find two intruders in the bedroom of her home in the Brookvale area of the city.
As a detective constable told Belfast Magistrates Court he could connect both of the accused with the crimes, the alleged rapist stood head bowed wearing a tracksuit.
The officer confirmed that when charged with attempted murder he replied: “I didn’t try and kill anybody.”
He gave no answer to the rape allegation but in response to the third offence he said: “I didn’t steal any of this.”
His solicitor, Emmanuel Morgan told the court: “I would like to emphasise what he said in relation to the allegation of attempted murder.”
The 16-year-old defendant made no reply to any of the charges, the court heard.
His lawyer, Jim Sheridan said his client had gone to police voluntarily along with his mother.
Mr Sheridan added: “He vehemently denies these charges, in particular he denies that he took part in the physical attack on the unfortunate injured party.
“The defence is glad to note that the physical forensic evidence does not make any case against him.”
Both youths were remanded in custody to appear again via videolink on April 19.
