BOY, 14, ADMITS RAPE BID & THEFT; Teen is youngest in Ulster on Sex Offenders Register.

Byline: BY MAURICE FITZMAURICE

A BOY of 14 became Northern Ireland's youngest registered sex offender yesterday after admitting trying to rape at knifepoint.

Belfast Crown Court heard how the teenager was one of two schoolboys who sexually and physically assaulted a woman as they robbed her in a North Belfast park.

He had been due to go on trial at on Monday accused of raping the woman at Woodvale Park in December 2006.

Yesterday the rape charge was "left on the books" and not proceeded with when he pleaded guilty to attempting to rape the woman, robbing her of her rucksack while armed with a knife, and wounding her with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm. Mr Justice Gillen said that the period the teenager would have to remain on the Register would be decided later when he passes sentence.

The schoolboy's 15-year-old co-accused, who pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting, robbing and wounding the woman, was not put on the Register.

A decision on whether or not he has to sign it, will depend on the sentence he later receives.

He had been charged with attempting to rape the woman, aiding and abetting attempted rape and threatening to kill her, but they too were not proceeded with following his guilty pleas to the lesser offences.

By order of the court neither juvenile, nor their victim can be identified. No detail, which may lead to their identities being uncovered, can also not be given, such as addresses.