Accused child rapist goes on trial today

The trial of Colin Bess, who has been charged with raping a 12-year-old child will commence this morning at 9 before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the High Court, in Georgetown.

The allegation against Bess is that on April 2, 2013 at Demerara, he engaged in sexual penetration with a 12-year-old child.

He has pleaded not guilty to the indictment of rape of a child under 16 years.

The proceedings will be held in-camera.

A jury was empanelled yesterday to hear the case.

Bess is unrepresented by counsel while the state’s case will be presented by Prosecutor Teshanna James-Lake.