FIVE schoolboys from Pomeroy, Co Tyrone, appeared at a special court in Cookstown yesterday on charges of rape, attempted rape, buggery and indecent assault involving a 14 year old girl.
The alleged offences took place on Tuesday in the neighbouring area of Carrickmore.
The boys, aged 14 and 15, were remanded on bail to Omagh juvenile court on February 1st.
All the defendants are students at the same school as the girl.
Three of the boys are accused of raping the girl and a fourth is charged with attempted rape.
One faces a charge of buggery while three others are charged with indecent assault.
A detective sergeant said the boys made no reply when charged.
In reply to a defence solicitor, Mr Francis Redmond, the sergeant said he understood consent was an issue in the case.