by Roy Davis (freelance reporter)

BELIZE CITY, Wed. Nov. 29, 2023

The court of Justice Candace Nanton is hearing the case of a 59-year-old man charged with rape of a child which occurred in June, 2019, when the child was 15 years old.

The virtual complainant, who is now 19, testified in camera. She said that her grandfather went into her bedroom and had sexual intercourse with her against her will. She did not report the incident to the police until November 20, 2019. The following day, after she reported the matter to the police, she was examined by Dr. Mauricio Navarrete, who testified virtually that he found she was 5 months pregnant.

After the doctor’s testimony, the Crown, represented by Crown Counsel Romey Wade, closed its case.

Attorney Romell Gonzalez, who is representing the accused, opened the case for the defense by making an application to the court for DNA paternity test to be made which may be able to ascertain whether the virtual complainant was a credible witness. The defense is alleging that the virtual complainant had a boyfriend around the time of the incident.

The court is expected to give its decision on whether or not to allow the DNA paternity test on Monday, December 4.

(AMANDALA Ed. Note: As shocking and obnoxious as this case is, we feel it our duty to put it on the record so that others in our society can be aware of where we are and what is happening to us as a people. Whatever the outcome, someone is guilty of an awful and mind-boggling wrong – either a shameful and abominable action, or a wicked and cruelly mischievous lie. A very sad situation indeed!)