A teenager facing allegations of participating in a sexual assault near a tram stop expressed feelings of happiness following the incident, as revealed during court proceedings. The 16-year-old defendant, whose identity is protected due to being a minor, maintained that the encounter was entirely consensual. Alongside a 15-year-old co-defendant, the pair is accused of taking turns and changing positions during the incident, while a 14-year-old allegedly involved has been deemed unfit to stand trial.
Evidence presented in court indicated that part of the assault on the 13-year-old girl was recorded on a mobile device and shared among the boys and others involved. The defendant, aged 16 at the time, testified that he felt content after the encounter, which marked his first sexual experience. During questioning by his lawyer, Rachel Shenton, he recounted being in Rochdale town center with his co-defendants and another acquaintance on the day in question. The group encountered the alleged victim and her friend at a tram stop, where discussions led to heading to bushes after the alleged victim suggested obtaining condoms, to which the boys indicated a lack of funds.
The defendant recounted that the alleged victim willingly entered the bushes, where sexual acts occurred involving both defendants. When asked about the victim’s consent, he affirmed that she had agreed wholeheartedly. Additionally, he clarified that the girl was free to leave the bushes at any time and detailed his lack of experience and knowledge regarding sexual activities.
Despite feeling happy post-incident, the defendant expressed current feelings of shame due to being wrongly blamed. He emphasized his respectful upbringing towards women and denied any involvement in gang rape or coercive actions. The trial is ongoing, with both defendants denying the allegations leveled against them.