An 18-year old awaiting sentence for rape has surrendered his bail and was remanded to Hydebank young offenders centre.
The defendant, who was 16 at the time of the sex attack and studying for his GSCEs, was informed he will be sentenced for three offences later this month.
Following a week-long trial held at Belfast Crown Court earlier this year, he was found guilty by a jury or raping a 12-year old in the Waterworks area of Belfast two years ago.
During the trial, both the girl and the defendant gave evidence - and both confirmed they met in person in the north Belfast park on the evening of May 17, 2017 after initially becoming friends on Facebook.
They also both agreed that the incident occurred in a wooded area in the park, and while the girl claimed she was dragged into the bushes, the defendant claimed they walked in together.
Whilst in the wooded area, the girl said he said to her 'do you want to do stuff?', to which she replied 'no', then he took her jeans off and subjected her to a sexual assault.
This version of events was rejected by the defendant, who denied sexually assaulting and raping the girl. Instead, he claimed they agreed 'to do stuff', that they had consensual intercourse.
During the trial in February, the jury heard the girl admit that she lied both on her Facebook profile and to the defendant about her age.
Following deliberations, the defendant was found guilty by a majority of ten to two on a charge of sexual assault and rape.
Yesterday, his defence barrister told Judge David McFarland: "He is present in court and available to surrender to custody to a young offenders centre, due to his age."
He was then remanded by the Judge and was told he will be produced at the same court on May 29 for sentencing.
