[F]OUR boys accused of raping a 15-year-of girl in Workington have appeared in court.
The boys, all of whom are aged under 16, each face three charges. These relate to alleged offences which are said to have occurred in the town in early January.
At Carlisle Crown Court today (THURS), the boys all appeared in front of Judge Peter Davies.
During a 40-minute hearing they each denied two charges which allege the rape of the teenage girl. They each also pleaded not guilty to a further charge alleging a sexual assault relating to the same complainant.
The four boys each sat with appropriate adults in the main body of the court – and not the dock. They spoke only to confirm their identities – which are protected because of their ages – and to enter their respective not guilty pleas.
They were told their trial is due to start at the crown court on November 15. It is estimated the hearing could last up to 10 days.
In the meantime, the boys were each granted conditional bail by Judge Davies, and told they must attend a further pre-trial crown court hearing in September.
