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Old Bailey drops protocol in primary-age rape trial

1 min read Youth Justice
The Old Bailey has dispensed with much of its formal protocol during the trial of two primary school children accused of rape.

The boys, now aged 10 and 11 and who cannot be named for legal reasons, are accused of raping an eight-year-old girl near her west London home.

The alleged rape took place in October last year. Both the defendents were 10 at the time. Due to the severity of the alleged crime the case is being tried in an adult court.

Because of the age of the defendants the judge and barristers are not wearing wigs or gowns, in a bid to appear less intimidating.

The judge has also moved seats to the lower down clerk's desk to add to the less formal atmosphere.

Court hours for the case, which is ongoing, have also been altered to mirror primary school times. Sessions are in bursts of 40 minutes and there are frequent breaks during the day.

Both defendants deny two charges of rape and two charges of attempted rape of a child under 13.

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