Statement from CPS London after two young boys are convicted of attempted rape

24/05/2010

Alison Saunders, Chief Crown Prosecutor, CPS London, said:

"Any case involving young children is always difficult and calls for the most sensitive handling. In this case the allegations made by the young girl were very serious. She had given a clear and compelling account to the police and her account was consistent with the medical evidence and with the accounts given by other witnesses to the police. She has the same right to the protection of the law as an adult and that is why, after very careful consideration of all the evidence, the case was put before a jury.

"The decision to prosecute was not taken lightly. Rape and attempted rape are very serious offences and the defendants were both very young. The CPS was determined that they should have a fair trial and every effort was made to that end. 

"This was never going to be an easy case for a court to hear but that does not absolve the CPS of its duty to prosecute where there is sufficient evidence to do so and a prosecution is in the public interest. We hope that the jury's verdict today can provide the young girl and her family with some comfort after these difficult events."

Ends