(Trinidad Guardian) Junior Dexter Peters, 51, was yesterday denied bail when he appeared virtually before a Port-of-Spain magistrate charged with two offences arising out of claims of sexual abuse at the St Dominic’s Children’s Home 25 years ago.
And six former wards are now threatening to sue Peters, the St Dominic’s Home, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Port-of-Spain and the Attorney General’s Office for as much as $2.5 million in damages as a result of that alleged abuse.
Peters appeared before Magistrate Maureen Baboolal-Gafoor charged with attempted buggery and sexual indecency. He was, however, denied bail because of previous convictions related to marijuana possession and cruelty to animals.
Peters appeared before Baboolal-Gafoor virtually from the Besson Street identification parade room. He will remain in custody until September 9.
So far, the charges against Peters, a former employee at St Dominic’s Children’s Home, arise out of an alleged incident with one victim.
He is expected to be further charged this weekend for claims from two other witnesses.
Peters was arrested at the St Ann’s Hospital last Friday by Sgt Baptiste and Woman Corporal Deonarine of the Child Protection Unit.
While he was in custody, Peters was served with the pre-action protocol letter, which he signed for.
The letter was also sent to the current manager of St Dominic’s Home Sister Arlene Greenidge.
“Our proposed action pursues accountability for the wrongs committed against my clients when they were children, while they were housed in your custody. It is not commentary for or against the church,” the pre-action protocol letter stated.
The six former wards are being represented by attorney Christlyn Moore.
“I am instructed to bring a claim for negligence and/or trespass of the person on behalf of my clients for the incidences of physical and sexual abuse and/or general mistreatment and neglect suffered during their stay at SDCH i.e., historical sexual assault case. On physical abuse element, my clients allege that their treatment went beyond reasonable punishment to a child or a young person,” it stated.
“Apart from the then existing law, my clients claimed that you breached your duty of care towards them at common law,” the pre-action protocol letter added.
Apart from the children’s home, the church and Peters, another alleged abuser was also issued the pre-action protocol letter.
“In the circumstances, I assert that each of my clients are entitled to a spectrum of $1.5 million to $2.5 million in damages to reflect a global sum for past and future loss of income and/or loss of earning capacity,” it stated.
The six wards are said to be experiencing continuing trauma, hyper-vigilance and anxiety among other effects.
