The stepfather of the three minor girls, who were found sleeping on the seawall at Berbice early last Thursday morning, was yesterday charged with engaging in sexual activity with the eldest child, who is 10.
The 41-year-old man stood barefoot before Magistrate Alex Moore, at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court, where he was arraigned.
He was not required to plead to the indictable charge. However, in his defence, he said, “I was not around, I did not commit such an act.”
He also explained to Magistrate Moore that his clothes were untidy because he was found and then placed in the lock-ups. He said, if given time, he would present himself in a more proper manner. However, bail was refused and he was remanded to prison until August 28, when the matter will be called again.
Meanwhile, Commander of ‘B’ Division Ian Amsterdam told Stabroek News that the other two minors, who are five years and seven years, will be questioned once more and then other charges will likely be instituted against the man.
When found, the girls had told welfare officers that they were ordered out of their home by their stepfather last Wednesday night. They were subsequently hospitalised, which led to the discovery that they had been sexually assaulted.
Their mother, who has 14 children, has since been charged with neglecting them.
