The man accused of raping and robbing a woman on November 15, 2009 at Jimbo Bridge Road, Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on Tuesday led his defence as the trial continued in the High Court before Justice Franklyn Holder.
Akeem Alexander of Third Street, Craig, EBD was unrepresented in court.
According to the prosecution’s case, it is alleged that Alexander had walked past the woman on the night of November 15, 2009 when he swung around, pulled out a knife which he pointed at the woman, and demanded sex and money from her. He also told the woman that he would kill her if she did not comply and subsequently pushed her to the ground. After the woman fell, the accused then dragged her to the corner of the road and raped her.
The woman was rescued by some men who were in a vehicle that was passing.
The accused fled the scene when the vehicle stopped, but was later apprehended by the men who gave chase after him. He was then taken to the Diamond Police Station where he was arrested and charged.
The accused presented his defence via sworn testimony. Alexander, who held onto the New Testament while in the witness box, told the court that he did not rape the woman.
After leading his sworn testimony, Alexander was then cross-examined by the prosecution.
Justice Holder then told Alexander after he was cross-examined by the prosecution that he had the right to address the jury if he wished.
Alexander then told members of the jury, “I think they have mistaken me with someone with a slight resemblance to me. I am no rapist, sir.”
The matter was then adjourned until Monday when the case will be handed over to the jury for deliberation.
