The Appleby Horse Fair is the biggest gathering of Gypsies and travellers in Europe (Picture: Getty)
Two teenagers have appeared in court accused of raping a young girl during the Appleby Horse Fair.
The event sees thousands of travellers from across Europe come together to celebrate their culture.
Two teens, who are first cousins, approached a 15-year-old girl in attendance in May 2019, Carlisle Crown Court has heard.
MailOnline reports how the pair, who have not been named, then ‘frogmarched’ her down an alley.
Prosecutor Tim Evans said the schoolgirl had never met the two males before the assault.
According to MailOnline, he told the court: ‘The defendants shouted at her, followed her and her wrist was grabbed as she walked across a bridge.
‘She was then taken down a secluded lane on the town centre side of the bridge.’
The jury was told one of the defendants ‘acted as a lookout’, while the other raped the girl before they swapped places.
The girl rejoined friends at the Fair and was described as being ‘scared and shaking’ and appeared ‘very pale as though she as going to faint’.
She reportedly urged them to ‘get me out of here’.
Both teens, who have since turned 18, denied the assault but were convicted following a three week trial at Carlise Crown Court.
They now face jail for raping the girl.
According to MailOnline, the pair maintained the girl, despite being underage, had consented to the sexual activity.
Both males remained silent during their police interview, the court was later told.
A jury took ten hours and 43 minutes to deliver two guilty verdicts for the two teenagers – who have been remanded in custody following the verdict.
They are due to be sentenced on February 17.
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The Appleby Horse Fair is the biggest gathering of Gypsies and travellers in Europe.
