-victim says she was kept in box
A Muslim leader, accused of having carnal knowledge of a 14-year-old girl, was yesterday remanded to prison.

Clairmonte Meertins, of Lot 6063 Cross Street, Alexander Village, was not required to enter pleas to two indictable carnal knowledge charges when acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson read them to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. It is alleged that on February 14 and again on February 19, Meertins had carnal knowledge of the teenage girl.

Meertins, who was unrepresented, described himself as a Muslim leader.

The girl, who was present in court, stated that Meertins had held her captive for over a month and that he would gag her month and tie her hands together and put her into a small box in his home whenever anyone came to visit. She said that Meertins told her that he wanted her to be his wife and that he would make this happen. The distressed teen also related that it was only because Meertins had forgotten the keys at the home when he went out one day that she managed to make her escape.

Prosecutor Stephen Telford requested that Meertins be remanded to prison and stated that other charges are likely to be brought against him shortly.

The magistrate ordered that the case be transferred to Court Six for May 4.