16-year-olds admit Elgin gang assault
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A pair of 16-year-olds have appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court for their part in a violent attack on a teenage boy in the town centre.
The girl and boy who cannot be named for legal reasons were the oldest members of a far larger group that set upon their victim during the evening of October 15.
Procurator Fiscal Sharon Ralph said the young female defendant had previously voiced claims that the victim had sexually assaulted her.
Ms Ralph said: "She told several people various different versions of what happened. The real facts remain unknown."
The court heard that the group of youngsters were walking towards Tesco at about 8.30pm, when their teenage victim came out of the store.
They turned around and began to follow.
About five minutes later the teenager met a different girl near Ladyhill.
As they talked, the young female defendant came between them and declared he had sexually assaulted her.
Ms Ralph said: "They attempted to ignore her. At this point he became aware that a significant number of youngsters had been following him."
The assault took place a short while later in a back alley off Elgin High Street.
CCTV footage showed the prolonged attack lasted about a minute.
The teenager was pulled to the ground, then repeatedly kicked.
He lay in the foetal position throughout the attack, with his arms wrapped around his head in an effort to try protect himself.
The court heard that only one member of the following group did not take part.
Instead this girl repeatedly shouted for the others to stop.
Meanwhile, the girl who had met the victim on his way into town, attempted to try help him but was held back.
When the assault finally ended she rang the police.
The teenager was treated at Dr Gray's Hospital for cuts and bruises.
The female defendant was arrested by police on Elgin High Street that same evening.
Further inquiries resulted in all the members of the group who took part in the attack being identified.
The others are aged below 16 and have been, or will be, dealt with by the children's panel.
The two defendants appearing at Elgin Sheriff Court both admitted a charge of assault.
Acting on behalf of the young male, solicitor Matthew O'Neill said: "He knows that his behaviour on the night in question was deplorable.
"He wants to apologise to the complainer. He's aware that this is something that is going to be on his record for the rest of his life."
Acting on behalf of the young female defendant, solicitor Robert Cruickshank, said: "She pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. She's adamant she won't be behaving in this manner again in the future.
"A lesson has been learnt."
Addressing the two young defendants, Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood said: "When you grow up you get dealt with as adults. You now both have a record."
Sheriff Fleetwood placed the pair under the court's supervision and stated their behaviour would be closely monitored, with a formal assessment six months from now.
He then issued them with a warning that, if expectations were not met, "you'd better be prepared not to be at home at Christmas".
