Two boys, aged 17, accused of subjecting a teenage girl to an hours-long sexual assault on August 16 in Sydney have been granted bail. The pair are among three teenagers facing charges in relation to the alleged incident.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Rhonda Riley informed the Children's Court that the alleged instigator, also 17, invited a friend via text message to join in the assault after allegedly raping the girl himself. The second boy then attended the location and also engaged in non-consensual sex with the victim, according to police allegations. A third teenager is charged with aggravated sexual assault in company.
Two of the three accused attend St Gregory's College in Campbelltown. The alleged instigator did not apply for bail and remains in juvenile detention. His two co-accused applied for bail, with their legal representatives highlighting their strong family support, ongoing schooling commitments, and lack of prior criminal histories. One lawyer noted the upcoming Higher School Certificate exams for his client.
Children's Court Judge Jeff Tunks described the alleged attack as a "degrading" and "humiliating" ordeal with "elements of menace." However, he granted bail to the two co-accused, stating that bail is not intended as punishment before guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Strict bail conditions were imposed, including daily reporting to police, home detention, a prohibition on contacting each other or witnesses, surrendering travel documents, and possessing only one mobile phone.
The cases for all three teenagers are scheduled to return to court in October. Resources for sexual assault support are available through 1800 RESPECT and the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service.