A 42-year-old man accused of indecently assaulting an 11-year-old girl who lives in the same yard with him was yesterday remanded to prison after appearing before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.
The allegation against the Georgetown resident is that on November 30, 2011, he indecently assaulted the child.
The man pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Presenting the facts of the case, Prosecutor Philip Sheriff said that on the day in question, the complainant left her house and went over to the defendant’s house which is in the same yard to visit his wife.
After learning that the man’s wife was asleep when she arrived there, the child proceeded to leave but the accused pulled her back into the house.
According to the facts, the man then threw the girl onto the ground, took off her underwear and began rubbing her legs after which he took off his clothes and attempted to penetrate her.
It was at this point, the prosecution said, that the man’s wife woke up because of the noise created. The facts are that the man then pushed the virtual complainant out of the house.
The prosecution said that the child then told her mother what had transpired. She then reported the matter to the Brickdam Police Station. An investigation was subsequently launched and the accused was arrested and charged.
Police Prosecutor Stephen Telford made an application for the defendant to be remanded to prison citing that the parties reside in the same yard and there is a likelihood that the accused may interfere with witnesses.
After hearing the facts of the case, the presiding magistrate informed the accused that he will be remanded to prison.
The matter will be called again on July 6 for statements.
