Brit teen accused of inventing Ayia Napa gang rape arrives to give evidence at her trial in Cyprus
A BRITISH teenager who cops claim invented a gang rape ordeal was in court this morning to give evidence at her trial in Cyprus.
The 19-year-old, who cannot be named, went from victim to accused after telling cops she was attacked in party resort Ayia Napa.
Twelve Israeli cadets were originally held by police but then later released after detectives said the British uni hopeful had retracted her statement.
They then charged her with public mischief and she was held in custody for almost two months before being bailed to a safe house where she is staying with her mother.
This morning the girl arrived at Famagusta district court with a scarf over her head, accompanied by her mother and another woman.
Inside, she listened closely to her translator as prosecutor Adamos Demosthenous outlined today's proceedings.
The case arose after the girl said she was attacked in July after agreeing to have sex with one youth before others arrived and then video of her was posted online.
During her trial, which started two weeks ago, she broke down as a graphic statement from an Israeli witness was read out describing how the youths had planned "an orgy" with her and were "going to f*** her" all night.
If convicted the girl, who is said to be suffering from PTSD, could be jailed for up to a year.
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Her defence lawyers claim the retraction was coerced out of her with no proper legal representation and even Cypriot women's rights groups have called for the case to be thrown out.
Police in Cyprus have dismissed accusations they coerced her into changing her statement or mishandled the investigation.
The girl had been due to start a university course last month but has put her education on hold pending the outcome of the trial.
Case continues.
