Teen to be tried for unlawful sex

 

A 17-year-old youth will stand trial in September for unlawful sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl.

The youth, who is being defended by attorney Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, has reserved his defence until his trial before a judge and jury.

Several documents were tendered by the police to be used as exhibits during the trial, including the victim’s birth certificate, a medical form and the accused’s statement and interview.

Allegations are that the 17-year-old met the young girl at a bar in Golden Grove on January 13, 2012.

It is alleged that he gave her several beers and after she was intoxicated, he had intercourse with her.

 

Youths granted bail

 

Four youths, who were remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison over the weekend, have reappeared before court.

All four young men, who are students of the National Technical Training Centre, are charged with break-in with intent to commit a felony – charges they deny.

However, while three were granted bail, the youngest defendant, aged 14, was remanded back to prison.

The Jamaican national has been living in Antigua & Barbuda without legal status since 2009.

The other teenagers are all aged 15 and are also from Jamaica. They were released on bail in the sum of $2,000 with two sureties and a cash deposit of $500.

The trio has to surrender their travel documents and report to the nearest police station three days each week. Two of the youths will sign in every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Gray’s Farm Police Station, while the third will report to All Saints Police Station on those same days.

They allegedly broke into the Harbour View home of Andrea Sealy, with the intention of committing a felony.

It is claimed some teabags and sweets were missing from the home. The offence allegedly took place between May 7 and 10.

 

 

Rat bite ‘punishment enough’

 

Neil James can somewhat count himself lucky after being reprimanded and then discharged on charges of battery and escaping lawful custody.

James appeared before Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh in St John’s Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to the offences.

Walsh felt that the rat bite James received to the face while being detained at Bolans Police Station was punishment enough.

James was bitten by the rodent on the left side of his face as he slept on the floor in the cell. He arrived at court with a mark on his cheek and his left eye swollen.

The court heard that on Tuesday, July 3, a report was made to Bolans Police Station by the 11-year-old victim’s mother.

The officer, as a result, left for duty in Old Road, where he met James at the victim’s residence. James was told of the allegation being made against him, in that he held the 11-year-old’s hand, pulled her to the ground and kissed her on the cheek.

The 24-year-old man told the officer he was joking with the child. He said he did not wilfully pull her to the ground.

James, who is not known to the court, was arrested and charged.

It was while he was being detained in relation to the incident with the child that he asked to use the restroom. He then reportedly made his escape through the window.

Attorney Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, who turned the young man in, told the court that James left the station because he was hungry.

He was advised by Chief Magistrate Walsh to keep his hands off people’s children.