Three boys aged 12, 13, and 14 are on trial at Minshull Street Crown Court over allegations of the rape of a 13-year-old girl in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. The incident is said to have occurred in February 2024 near Newbold tram stop, where the boys allegedly took turns raping the girl in a secluded area. The prosecutor highlighted that part of the attack was recorded on a mobile phone and that the footage was shared among the boys and others.

The trial involves two of the boys, now aged 15 and 16, who have faced serious charges including rape, while the third boy, who was 12 at the time of the incident, has been ruled unfit to stand trial due to his age. The legal proceedings have drawn attention due to the nature of the allegations as well as the young ages of those involved, raising discussions about the implications of juvenile crime and the treatment of minors in the judicial system.

The case is ongoing and emphasizes serious issues related to child safety, consent, and the responsibilities of adults to protect minors. The outcome of the trial could set important precedents in how similar cases are addressed in the future, particularly in cases involving minors and digital evidence of such heinous acts. It also underlines the necessity for societal awareness toward the protection of minors in communal environments.