Tensions were high in court following a trial where the boys were accused of raping a 13-year-old girl when they were 12, 13 and 14

Family members of three young boys accused of raping a 13-year-old girl reacted with tears and heavy sighs as the jury returned their verdicts after nearly 10 hours of deliberations.

Earlier this month, prosecutors told jurors the boys raped the girl when they were 12, 13 and 14. She was 13 at the time, the Crown said.

On Wednesday, they were cleared of all charges as jurors delivered not guilty verdicts. Two boys – one now 16, the other 15 – were cleared of rape. They were also cleared of two ‘joint enterprise’ counts.

Jurors were asked to find whether the third boy – now aged 14, then 12 – had committed the acts and whether he had encouraged the other boys as he had been found unfit to stand trial. They found he did not commit the offences.

Over 10 emotional days at Minshull Street Crown Court, family members of the young defendants watched on from a tense public gallery. As the jury foreperson delivered the verdicts one exhausted voice cried “Jesus”.

Sitting next to his mum, a red-faced and bleary eyed boy wept. On the opposite side of the bench, another boy put his arm around the shoulder of a trembling family member, reports the Manchester Evening News.

As the trial began, the jury was told the three boys raped the girl, taking it in ‘turns’ and ‘swapp[ing] positions’ during the incident in Rochdale town centre in February 2024.

Part of the alleged attack was filmed on a mobile phone, the court heard. Footage was later ‘circulated among themselves’ and ‘others’, prosecutors said.

Four boys were hanging out, the court heard, and ended up at a tram stop where a large group had gathered. Jurors were told they were seen on CCTV chatting and vaping.

Among the group were two 13-year-old girls, the court heard. The defendants walked up to the station. One would later tell the court they were ‘showing off’.

They all got onto the tram at Rochdale, it was said. One of the girls sat down, her friend beside her. The boys – then 12, 13, and 14 – remained standing, with one repeatedly pressing the button to keep the door open, the court heard.

They moved between seats and struck up a conversation with an elderly lady sitting nearby, it was said. The girls watched on. One friend joked ‘she fancies you’, pointing at one of the lads, jurors were told.

Towards the end of the eight-minute journey, the now 15-year-old boy, sat next to the girl. He would later tell jurors they flirted and that there had been talk of ‘sh*gging’.

They got off the tram together at Newbold, the court heard. The boys put their arms around the girls as they moved to the other side of the platform, jurors were told.

The group made their way down the path towards Morrisons. Prosecutors alleged the now 15-year-old said: “We can do it in the bush if you want.” In his evidence, the now 15-year-old said it was the girl who ‘asked [him] for sex’.

Her friend told them she was on her period, telling them to ‘f*** off’, the court heard. The other girl told the court she said ‘no’. It was then they went into nearby bushes.

Prosecutors said the girl was bent over. Snapchat footage of the incident was played in court. Laughing could be heard. One voice was heard saying ‘s**k it’.

The court heard the girl’s friend ran over and pulled her away. The boys ran home, jurors were told. The girl cried, the court heard as her friend said: “She said she wanted to leave it, she didn’t want any more drama.

“I said we should call the police. She then said to call her mum from my phone.” Minutes later, the girl’s mum pulled into the car park. She found her daughter and friend sitting in a family member’s van. Police had put up a cordon.

Jurors were told the boys, by then at home, messaged each other. The now 15-year-old sent the video he had filmed to the now 16-year-old, it was said.

The now 14-year-old, the court heard, wrote: “Send all the videos… send vids… send me the videos.”

The trial heard evidence from the girl, in the form of a recording of a police interview. She was later cross-examined by barristers on behalf of the boys.

It was put to her by Rachel Shenton, representing the now 16-year-old, that there was flirting on the tram. “My friend pointed and said I like[d] him as a joke,” she said. “But it didn’t come from my mouth.”

“Did you point to one of them and say ‘I would sh*g him’?,” Ms Shenton asked. “No,” the girl replied. “Did you fancy one of them?,” she was asked. “No,” the girl said.

The girl became emotional as she was questioned. “Did you willingly bend over? Did you say anything to anyone in the bushes? Did you try to move away from the bushes? Did you scream?,” Ms Shenton asked her.

“Did you do anything to make the boys think you did not agree to it?” The girl replied: “I never said yeah.” Later in the trial, as the defence closed its cases, it was suggested the girl had lied about being raped.

“[Her friend] told them to f*** off,” Ms Shenton told. “I asked [the alleged victim] if she told them to ‘f*** off’. She did not. She went into the bushes. I’m not seeking to throw shade at her. She is a young girl… immature. Why didn’t she shout? Why didn’t she scream?”

Ms Shenton said the girl had been embarrassed about being called a ‘sl*g’ by two strangers who walked past. She added: “How does she react? ‘I was raped’. It is a get out of jail free card. This was not a rape, it was a shameful encounter.”

Ms Shenton said the girl had been ‘untruthful’ and ‘inconsistent’. Peter Gilmour, representing the now 15-year-old said: “These are children. We must not judge children by the standards of adults.

“If there was a point she had second thoughts, she didn’t give any indication. And she immediately regretted that and says to her friend she had been raped. She went into the bushes, she went willingly. Her answer was ‘I never said yeah’. How was he supposed to know?”

Both boys told the court what happened in the bushes was consensual. They were virgins and had both left school at a young age with no sex education, the court heard.

The now 16-year-old said he felt ‘happy’ after the experience, thought said it was not ‘successful’. He said he would not have done anything if he didn’t believe she was consenting.

The now 15-year-old said the girl had asked him for sex. “I could tell by the way she was looking at me, she fancied me,” he said. He denied running away after, instead saying he was ‘not h**d’ and so ‘couldn’t do anything’.

For the Crown, Kim Whittlestone said that according to the defence: “[The alleged victim] had made herself available for not just one, but three of them.

“Alone and combined, the evidence shows this is not a case of her leading the way. Far from it. A bit of smiling and teen flirting on the tram does not equate to consent to a foursome in the bushes.”

“It was asked in cross examination by one of the barristers ‘did you gang rape [her]?’. The prosecution held back from using that phrase – it is headline grabbing and emotive.

“But, sadly, that phrase best describes what happened to her in those bushes. From the evidence in this case, ‘gang rape’ fits the description perfectly.”

Ultimately, jurors found all three boys not guilty on all counts. They were discharged from court as families embraced and wept.

Across Europe, many banks alongside motorways are planted with grass to stabilise soil and keep roadside landscapes tidy.

But there may be a better solution. Already some countries are experimenting with using moss in built-up areas to absorb air pollution. As countries search for nature-based solutions to climate and environmental challenges, roadside moss is starting to attract attention. So could mossy motorway banks work?

Moss could offer environmental benefits over grass, from trapping air pollution to slowing rainwater runoff during heavy storms.

Mosses are small plants that grow without roots or flowers. Instead of drawing nutrients from soil like most plants do, they absorb water and minerals directly from the air. They can grow in thin soils, shaded areas and exposed surfaces where grass often struggles. Once established, moss also requires very little maintenance. Unlike grass, moss grows slowly and stays low to the ground. This means roadside moss would require far less mowing, potentially reducing labour and maintenance costs along thousands of kilometres of roads.

Moss and air pollution

One of moss’s most fascinating features is its ability to absorb substances from the atmosphere. It can accumulate pollutants such as heavy metals.

Scientists have used moss for decades as a bioindicator – a living organism used to monitor environmental pollution. Experimental observations have shown that moss can also exhibit visible physical responses to air pollution. For example, moss exposed to highly polluted environments has been observed to change colour from fresh green to brownish.

Across Europe, the European Moss Survey uses moss samples to track air pollution levels in dozens of countries. Research shows moss can capture pollutants including nitrogen compounds and particulate matter, both of which are produced by traffic emissions. If moss grows beside busy roads, it may therefore help capture some airborne pollution before it spreads into surrounding ecosystems or nearby communities.

Another potential benefit involves water. Many moss species act like natural sponges. They can absorb several times their own weight in water and release it slowly over time. On roadside slopes, this property could help slow down rainwater runoff during heavy storms. Fast runoff from roads and embankments can overwhelm drainage systems and contribute to flash flooding. By temporarily storing water, moss could reduce the speed at which rainwater flows into roadside drains. The UK, for instance, has one of the densest road networks in Europe, and many major roads run close to towns and residential areas. Vegetation that can reduce pollution and water runoff could therefore provide environmental benefits.

Roadside vegetation can also play an important role in biodiversity. Road verges and embankments form long, connected strips of habitat that can support insects, mosses, lichens and other small organisms. In landscapes heavily shaped by agriculture or urban development, these narrow corridors can help species move between fragmented habitats. Moss-dominated banks may provide microhabitats for invertebrates and microorganisms that depend on moist, shaded environments. Although research on mossy roadside systems is still limited, increasing structural diversity along road verges could enhance ecological connectivity and contribute to wider efforts to support biodiversity in managed landscapes.

À lire aussi :
An epic global study of moss reveals it is far more vital to Earth’s ecosystems than we knew

Moss thrives in cool, damp climates with frequent rainfall, conditions common across much of the UK, for instance. Shaded roadside slopes, especially where roads cut through hillsides or woodland, also favour moss growth. In such places, grass often struggles because soils are thin and sunlight is limited.

Advertisement

Best in shade

Despite its potential advantages, moss would not be a universal solution.

One problem is it grows slowly. Establishing a stable moss cover on new embankments could take several years.
Also, roadside environments can be harsh. Salt used for winter road de-icing can damage many moss species, and prolonged dry conditions may limit growth on exposed slopes.

Another issue is pollutant accumulation. Moss can absorb airborne pollutants, but these substances remain stored within the plant material. Over time this may require monitoring or periodic removal. Finally, moss generally prefers shaded and moist environments. On sunny or dry motorway banks, other vegetation may still be more suitable.

Road networks occupy vast areas of land, yet roadside vegetation is often managed simply to keep it short and tidy. Instead of treating roadside land as space that just needs mowing, it could be designed to capture pollution, manage water and support biodiversity.

Moss will not transform highways overnight. But small ecological changes along thousands of kilometres of roads could add up to meaningful environmental benefits. Sometimes, even plants at the edges of our motorways may help tackle pollution, flooding and climate change.

The Grade-II listed power hall in the Rhymney Valley could be restored for 60 new flats while maintaining its original facade

Almost 200 new homes could be built in a significant redevelopment of Penallta Colliery including the restoration of its listed power hall.

The Grade II-listed structure, in the Rhymney Valley, would be converted into 60 new flats while preserving its original facade flanked by the former colliery’s two winding wheels.

To the north and south of the hall applicant The Power Hall Limited has put forward plans for a total of 133 homes featuring a mixture of two- and three-storey terraced properties paying tribute to the types of homes historically provided for miners.

A landscaped play area and two commercial units would complete the proposed redevelopment of the site in Winding Wheel Lane, according to the proposals. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.

If given the go-ahead the scheme would mark the latest phase in a complete transformation of the former industrial site following the previous approvals for two separate applications.

Directly to the west of the site the colliery’s former engineers’ hall has already been transformed into homes and recently Caerphilly council’s planning committee also granted permission for the construction of 33 new flats and a shop to the southwest.

A supporting statement by agents BBA Architects Ltd maintains the new proposals are for a “derelict” site that is “overgrown and in disrepair” – in stark contrast to its heyday as “one of the most advanced collieries in the UK”.

The plans for the 193 homes, together with the restoration of the hall and the winding wheels, “will allow this site to be brought back to life and benefit the local community”, they said.

“This development provides an exciting opportunity to restore the site’s history and provide high-quality living for the local community,” they added.

The application for listed building consent is currently out for consultation and can be viewed on the Caerphilly County Borough Council website under reference 25/0866/LBC.

Tottenham host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League this evening attempting to do the near-impossible. They trail the La Liga outfit by three goals in their last 16 tie, having lost the first leg at the Estadio Metropolitano 5-2 last week. The performance, particularly in the first half, piled pressure on under-fire interim head coach Igor Tudor, who had made a bold selection in his starting lineup.

It comes as the Entry Exit System (EES) has been introduced, which is a new digital border control system for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).

It replaces manual passport stamping with electronic registration, improving border security and efficiency.

But as the system kicks off for the first time ahead of the busy Easter and summer period, holidaymakers could expect longer queues and potential delays due to lengthier processing times, and while border controls adjust to the new scheme.

🪪Got a holiday booked to the UK?

From 25 February 2026, dual British citizens travelling to the UK will need either a:

Advertisement

•a valid UK passport or
•a valid Irish passport or
•a certificate of entitlement

For more information, visit: https://t.co/MhwBpCkD6Y pic.twitter.com/h3qAZS9em7

— FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) March 9, 2026

How does the Entry Exit System work at airports in Europe for UK citizens?

People should be prepared to have their passports scanned and biometric data taken at border control the first time they enter via the EES.

Paul Paddock, CEO of Post Office Insurance at Post Office explained: “Biometric data including your facial image (all travellers) and fingerprints (visa-exempt travellers only) will be taken.

“The system will also be able to capture passport details, entry and exit dates and locations, and the duration of stay. 

“Data will be kept for three years for standard entries/exits or five years if you overstay.”

Paul continued: “For subsequent visits, the process will be faster due to the data already being stored. 

“It’s important to note that no pre-registration is required – registration happens at the border during your first entry.”

EU Entry/Exit System – what UK travellers need to know

Rachel Pennycook, Europe travel specialist at The Luxury Holiday Company added: “If this sounds familiar, it’s because the system began rolling out on 12 October 2025 and is being introduced gradually at airports, ports and land borders, with full implementation expected by April 2026, ahead of the summer half term.

“Because the UK is now outside the EU, British travellers are affected, even for short holidays to other European countries.”

See the full list of Schengen area countries using the Entry Exit System via the Holiday Extras website .

How Brits can avoid Europe airport delays due to EES in 2026

With this in mind, Brits, (particularly those heading to parts of the Schengen area for the first time), are being urged to plan ahead to prevent airport delays as much as possible.

Hannah Mayfield, a travel money expert working with PayingTooMuch has shared one important mistake UK residents need to avoid when it comes to approaching the Entry Exit System.

Hannah detailed: “Travellers may now be asked for the reason of travel and details of accommodation and proof that you have enough funds for your trip. 

“While these questions are typically asked via automated kiosks, answering ‘no’ to any of them could result in being referred to a border control officer for further questioning.”  

She also prompted Brits to ensure they have all the correct documents and any required visas well in advance of their departures as the key to avoiding any pitfalls with the new EES is “preparation”.

Hannah said: “This includes checking the date on your passport and having the correct paperwork and required visas to hand.

“As the EES system is automated, it will track your entry and exit dates and can also refuse entry, so keep an eye on your eligibility to stay and avoid overstaying your welcome in the Schengen area.   

Have you used an Entry Exit System yet? (Image: Gareth Fuller/PA)

“With the right planning, the system should make travel smoother and safer in the long run.

“However, understanding these changes in advance will help to avoid any unnecessary stress and help manage any initial teething problems.”

Paul agrees and recommends a checklist which includes an essential document reminder:  

• Check your passport expiry date (must be valid for at least three months after your trip for EU countries)  
• Know your entry airport’s EES setup (expect biometric checks)  
• Keep essential travel documents easily accessible, including passports, travel insurance, accommodation confirmation, and proof of onward or return travel 

For those planning to travel in the upcoming Easter or summer school holidays, Rachel also suggested people should arrive earlier than usual, keep travel documents easily accessible, and expect queues at peak times while the system beds in with likely “teething problems”.

It’s important to note Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen area where the EES applies, so UK nationals travelling there will continue to be checked and stamped manually. 

The couple announced in September last year that they were expecting their first child

Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg have welcomed their first child into the world as they shared the first photo of their son and revealed his name on social media.

The Australian professional dancer and the YouTuber, met on the BBC dancing competition Strictly Come Dancing back in 2018. Dianne announced her pregnancy just weeks before the 23rd season of Strictly got underway in September last year.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. And don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Becoming the first pregnant dancer to compete on the series, Dianne was paired with Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis on the dancefloor. Sadly, their time together came to an abrupt end when the Paul Robinson actor had to withdraw through injury.

In spite of this, Dianne continued to take part in a number of professional routines as the series progressed. Both during the series and since its conclusion, Dianne has been providing her fans with lots of pregnancy updates.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday evening (March 18), Joe revealed that Dianne gave birth on Monday (March 16). They’ve named their baby boy Bowden Mark Richard Sugg.

Sharing multiple heartwarming images, little Bowden can be seen wearing a blue hat as he rested in his bassinet. Another snap sees Dianne holding Bowden in the hospital bed, while a third sees Joe walking him out of the hospital in a baby carrier.

Joe captioned the post: “Never felt a love like it. Baby Bowden Mark Richard Sugg. 16/03/26.”

The comments section of the post saw a host of the famous couple’s fans and Strictly pals racing to congratulate the happy couple on their major life news.

Vito Coppola said: “Oh Finally. bello di zio. I am so so happy, crying for joy and happiness. Uncle Vito cannot wait to meet you. Love love love. Bellissimo a zio.” Nancy Xu added: “Untie Nancy can’t wait to meet you, welcome to the world my beautiful angel. CONGRATULATIONS MY D D and @joe_sugg.”

@laucapon: “Ahh congratulations guys. Bowden is the absolute cutest lil baby.” @sophiewilloughbyrose posted: “HES SO CUTE. congratulations I’m so happy for you both . The best news!!”

@aliceimogenxx commented: “congratulations!! he is so beautiful and love his name.” @saffronlnoble_sln stated: “OMG!! Congratulations! he is absolutely beautiful. I hope mother and baby are doing well.”

Dianne previously revealed how she would take a career break from her work for her child due to how demanding’ is is, saying: “It is quite tough because my job is quite demanding, and I love it so much.

“It is a tough one to balance out and think about. It would take a lot of thought, but eventually one day we will get there, but there is lots ­happening at the moment. It will happen when it’s supposed to…

“We’ve always wanted kids, it’s just finding the right time. I don’t feel worried about taking time out from dancing, I just don’t see the point in worrying. When everything aligns, it will happen. I have to have that vision. I like to practise manifestation, I’m quite spiritual.”

Bystanders stood in shock, surveying the destruction. Tensions quickly rose among onlookers. Some shouted angrily, directing blame at Israel, while a group of men raised a tall poster of Hezbollah’s slain leader, Hassan Nasrallah, marching it to the top of the pile of rubble.

Available for over a year

Donald Trump’s fight with US media has entered a new chapter since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran. The president has taken issue with Wall Street Journal reporting on an Iranian attack against US tankers in Saudi Arabia, while going as far to accuse the “Fake News Media” of working with Iran to circulate AI-generated videos of the USS Abraham Lincoln in flames.

Until now the president has largely used the courts in his fight with the press, but he’s now considering revoking broadcast licences with the help of the Federal Communications Commission run by close ally Brendan Carr. It remains to be seen whether the administration would be prepared to follow through on its threats to broadcasters, but could it have a chilling effect on journalists covering the war, some of whom have already been banned from the Pentagon by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth?

And, top counterterrorism official Joe Kent has resigned from the Trump administration over the war with Iran, urging the president to “reverse course”. Who is Joe Kent, and what’s the real story behind his resignation?

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
• Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
• Or use #Americast

This episode was made by George Dabby with Alix Pickles. The technical producer was James Piper. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you’re reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl
Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd
Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm

Programme WebsiteShow less

It was confirmed on Wednesday that the former Scotland captain had been arrested and released without charge last month

Former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg has issued a statement after it was confirmed he was arrested again earlier this year.

A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that Hogg, who currently plays for Montpellier in France, had been arrested last month. He was subsequently released without charge.

“A 33-year-old man was arrested in the Hawick area on Thursday February 12, 2026 in connection with a report of a breach of a non-harassment order,” said the spokesperson.

The confirmation of the arrest, in connection with an alleged breach of a non-harassment order, comes after Hogg was stripped of his MBE.

Following confirmation of the arrest, Hogg released a statement on his social media accounts – with the initial post on X stating: “I have something I’d like to say…”

The actual statement then read: “Over the past few days there has been a lot written and said about me once again, and I feel it is important to address that briefly.

“There has been no criminal charges brought against me in relation to recent matters that have been reported in the media.

“Recent coverage has included speculation and commentary once again relating to a private family matter. I cooperated fully with enquiries with Police Scotland and left shortly after. I continue and always have respect for the legal process.

“I have been involved in private family proceedings before the Scottish courts. As is common in these cases, there are legal restrictions which prevent me from discussing the details publicly. These restrictions exist to protect the integrity of the legal process and, most importantly, the privacy and wellbeing of our children involved.

“For that reason, I cannot respond publicly to many of the false and defamatory claims or commentary that continue to appear in the media.

“It is frustrating to see private family matters repeatedly turned into headlines, where people are profiteering from feeding the media fake news. While I am legally unable to explain the full circumstances. Stories built on partial information inevitably create a distorted picture of my life and my families life, this is extremely unfair and damaging.

JOIN OUR WALES RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE Latest news, analysis and much more

“I understand that public life brings scrutiny and I have always accepted that and taken responsibility for my actions. However, reporting should remain accurate and responsible, particularly where ongoing family proceedings and children are involved.

“The welfare and privacy of my children must come before public commentary, which is why I will not discuss matters that are properly before the court.

“Media organisations should remain mindful that reporting relating to family proceedings and children may engage legal protections under Scottish law. Writing fabricated stories, half truths is unfair to all involved in my life.

“I have cooperated with the authorities and will continue to respect the legal process. The truth of the situation will come through the proper legal channels rather than speculation.

“I am first and foremost a father and a professional rugby player. My focus remains on my children, my career and moving forward.

“I will not be making any further comment on private family matters at this time.”

Hogg was banned from approaching or contacting his estranged wife Gillian Hogg for five years after he admitted a single charge of domestic abuse.

In November 2024, he admitted shouting and swearing, tracking her movements, and sending her messages which were alarming and distressing in nature.

Sheriff Peter Paterson sentenced Hogg to a community payback order with one year of supervision when he appeared at Selkirk Sheriff Court for sentencing in January last year.

He was also handed a five-year non-harassment order.

Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.