Anfield rape: Boys aged 12 and 13 charged with attack appear at Liverpool court with parents

Two schoolboys aged 12 and 13 sat next to their parents in the docks at Liverpool Crown Court today (17 March) as their trial into the alleged rape of a vulnerable woman in Anfield got under way.

The boys, neither of whom can be identified for legal reasons, are accused of raping the 43-year-old woman in her home on 24 September last year.

The younger boy was sat in the dock with his mother and the other boy was accompanied by his father.

The pair were remanded on bail until Friday 15 May, when they are expected to enter their pleas to the charge.

Judge Clement Goldstone, QC fixed a date for a trial, which is expected to last three to four days, on Monday 29 June.

Twelve males (aged between 12 and 19 years) and a 15-year-old girl were arrested in connection with the incident and were bailed pending further inquiries.

The victim had been taken to hospital and was in a distressed state following the attack. She was supported by specially trained officers.