A teenage boy has been acquitted of rape, a month after being cleared of another rape elsewhere.
The 16-year-old boy was on trial alongside a 13-year-old boy at Kingston Crown Court for the rape of a 13-year-old girl in New Malden.
After hearing evidence from the girl and both defendants, as well as from medical experts and police, the jury took an hour-and-a-half to find both boys - who cannot be named for legal reasons - not guilty.
The Surrey Comet can reveal that the 16-year-old boy had faced another rape charge on Friday, November 2, at Isleworth Crown Court, again against an underage girl. He was acquitted but the Kingston jury was not told of the other charges during the latest trial.
At Kingston Crown Court the youth denied having sex with the girl while the 13-year-old boy admitted having sex with her but claimed she had consented.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article