British rapper Yung Filly, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, has received permission to travel back to the United Kingdom while he faces serious sexual assault charges in Western Australia. The decision comes as he awaits trial for allegations of rape, choking, and assault related to an incident that occurred in Perth during his tour of Australia last year.
The court approved Mr. Barrientos’s request to leave Australia, allowing him to spend Christmas in the UK. He is expected to depart Perth on December 26, 2023, and return on January 7, 2024. Although he has been granted this temporary leave, Mr. Barrientos remains under strict bail conditions, which include the surrender of his passport upon his return.
Details of the Charges and Legal Proceedings
The allegations against Mr. Barrientos stem from an incident that reportedly took place in a hotel room in Perth on November 15, 2022. Following the alleged assault, he was extradited from Brisbane to Perth by law enforcement officers just eleven days later. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include two counts of rape, choking, and assault. As of now, he still needs to enter pleas for two additional rape charges.
During a recent court appearance, Judge Gary Massey approved Mr. Barrientos’s application to amend his bail conditions. In addition to being allowed to travel, the judge imposed 18 specific conditions aimed at ensuring Mr. Barrientos’s return for his upcoming trial. A surety of $100,000 AUD was provided to the court, alongside a personal undertaking of the same amount already established.
While in the UK, Mr. Barrientos is required to reside at a designated address in Kent, and he must keep location services activated on all electronic devices. Furthermore, he is prohibited from discussing his legal issues on social media platforms.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
As Mr. Barrientos exited the District Court building, he was confronted by an individual who expressed their disapproval by gesturing at him. This incident highlights the public’s intense scrutiny of his situation. Following the encounter, the rapper quickly left the scene in a waiting black Mercedes van.
Yung Filly is scheduled to stand trial in the Perth District Court in July 2024, where he will face the serious charges against him. The upcoming months will be crucial, as both the legal proceedings and public sentiment surrounding the case continue to evolve.
