LATEST: Teenager charged with raping girl at Eleventh night bonfire in Magherafelt

The 15-year-old boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, appeared at a special sitting of Derry Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The incident is alleged to have occurred at an eleventh night bonfire in Magherafelt.

The teen is charged with raping the 16-year-old girl in the early hours of July 12.

The court heard allegations the boy and girl had been drinking together at the bonfire and had been ‘flirting throughout the evening’.

The boy allegedly offered to walk the girl home, when he grabbed her by the arms and pulled her onto the ground.

The boy is then accused of ‘having sexual intercourse with her which she did not want or consent to’.

During police interview, the 15-year-old claimed he had consensual sex with the girl.

Opposing bail, an investigating officer said the teen has a history of drug and alcohol abuse.

He added the proposed bail address is very close to the alleged injured party’s home.

District Judge Peter King refused bail, stating ‘there is no chance of me granting bail within striking distance’ of the girl’s address.

He added that there is risk of re-offending and despite his age the teen is a ‘danger to the public given the nature of the charges’.

The teen was remanded in custody until July 20.