Less than one month after a child sexual offences matter was reported to the Special Victims Department (SVD), a couple has been arrested, charged and brought before the courts.
A 47-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were arrested on September 17 by Sgt Warwick, of the Cunupia Police Station, and officers of the Central Divisional Task Force (CDTF).
The man was charged with 14 counts of sexual penetration of a child under the Children Act, Chapter 46:01, while the woman faces two counts of failing to report and cruelty to a child.
The matter was initially reported to SVD Region II by the Children’s Authority through the Gasparillo Police Station on August 31. PC Castle was assigned to the investigation and subsequently laid the charges against both accused.
The man appeared before Master Tracey Vidale at the Chaguanas Masters’ Court on September 21, while the woman appeared before Master Rhea Lieber. The State was represented by Sgt Avion Hoppie.
As the charges were laid indictably, neither accused was required to enter a plea.
The woman was granted $20,000 bail, while prosecutors objected to bail for the man under Sections 6(2)(a)(i), 6(3)(a) and 6(3)(e) of the Bail Act. He was remanded into custody.
Both accused are expected to reappear before the court on separate dates in October.
The investigation was led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Investigations and Intelligence, Natasha George; Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kerwin Francis; and Head of the SVD, Supt Roger Reyes. General supervision was provided by Insp Nina Rawlins, with assistance from Sgt Allyson Joseph-Guerra.
