Two of three 17-year-old boys accused of subjecting a teenage girl to an hours-long sexual assault in Sydney have been granted bail, while the alleged ringleader remains in juvenile detention. The case centres on allegations that one boy orchestrated the attack through text messages inviting others to participate in what a judge described as a "degrading" and "humiliating" ordeal.
The alleged assault occurred on the night of 16 August. According to police prosecutor Sergeant Rhonda Riley, the boy charged with the most serious offences—a student at a private school—took the girl to a football game and drinks before bringing her to a residential address when she became unwell. He is accused of sexually assaulting her before sending text messages to two other boys inviting them to join in the attack.
According to reporting on the case, the alleged assault lasted through the night, with the girl allegedly filmed and assaulted even after she fell asleep and said no. The second boy, who received an invitation via text, attended the address and engaged in non-consensual sexual contact with the girl. The third boy was then allegedly told about the assault in crude terms and invited to participate; he also arrived at the house and engaged in non-consensual sexual contact.
What charges do the three boys face?
The alleged instigator faces the most serious charges: six counts of aggravated sexual assault in company, three counts of sexual intercourse without consent, and two additional offences. He did not apply for bail when his case was mentioned in Campbelltown Children's Court on Friday and remains in juvenile detention.
The second boy has been charged with eight offences, including six counts of aggravated sexual assault in company, sexual intercourse without consent, and common assault. The third boy faces two counts of aggravated sexual assault in company. Both were granted bail by Children's Court Judge Jeff Tunks after their legal representatives argued they had strong family support, schooling commitments, and no prior criminal records.
Why were bail conditions imposed?
Judge Tunks acknowledged the severity of the allegations but determined that the risks posed by the two co-accused could be managed through strict conditions.
"The bail act is not used as some sort of de facto punishment for crimes that are not proven beyond reasonable doubt,"the judge stated.
Both boys were ordered to be of good behaviour, report to police daily, and comply with home detention. They must not contact each other or any witnesses, must surrender their travel documents, and are permitted to possess only one mobile phone. According to court reporting, these conditions were designed to address concerns about their conduct while allowing them to maintain family and educational ties.
During the bail hearing, Jai Rose, representing the second alleged attacker, said his client would comply with any conditions imposed. However, Sergeant Riley raised the plight of the alleged victim, noting that she would have to complete her higher school certificate exams "going through fear, going through pain." Judge Tunks remarked that social and sporting ties and exam delays were of little relevance to the bail assessment, emphasising the seriousness of the allegations.
The barrister for the third teen suggested that consent might become an issue at trial, claiming his client had not received necessary context from his co-accused regarding what had occurred.
What happens next?
The cases are scheduled to return to court in October. According to court records, the matter has been adjourned for eight weeks until 20 October, when the proceedings will resume in Children's Court.
Key Facts:
- Three 17-year-old boys are accused of gang rape following an alleged assault on 16 August
- The alleged ringleader invited the other two boys via text message to participate in the attack
- Two boys were granted bail with strict conditions; the alleged instigator remains in detention
- The case returns to court on 20 October for further proceedings
