A man has been found guilty of sexual intercourse with a dependent and indecent assault and will serve a combined concurrent sentence of six years after a jury rejected his claims that the teenage complainant had willingly initiated their encounters.
The convicted man, then 56, was living with his wife and two sons when his wife’s teenage niece came to stay in their home after a period of instability elsewhere. The complainant was 16 at the time of the offenses.
She shared a bedroom with one of the couple’s sons and testified that she had initially trusted the accused as a paternal figure — until he began entering her room late at night, while his son slept, and touching her inappropriately.
The Crown argued that in November 2018, the accused used the pretext of a farm errand to get the complainant alone. Once isolated in a secluded, bushy area, he touched her inappropriately and, after threatening to drive them both off a cliff if she resisted, forced himself on her and engaged in sexual intercourse.
The accused presented a starkly different account. He testified that the complainant had initiated contact by asking him to drive her to see her boyfriend, and that she later offered to perform oral sex on him in exchange for a second favor. He claimed she subsequently invited him to her room after midnight and that all contact was consensual. He further denied being able to complete intercourse, stating he could not achieve an erection at the farm — a claim his wife appeared to support when she testified that he suffers from erectile dysfunction.
The defence also argued that the charges were orchestrated by the complainant’s stepfather to gain leverage in a custody dispute involving his former wife, and suggested the complainant had fabricated the allegations after being promised a trip and a phone as incentives for her cooperation. The stepfather denied both claims.
After considering the evidence, last year, the jury rejected the rape charge but returned guilty verdicts on the alternative charge of sexual intercourse with a dependent, carrying a six-year sentence, and indecent assault, carrying one year. The sentences are to run concurrently.
gas dem and light dem
why does Antigua not name the guilty parties after they have been charged and found guilty. It baffles me.
His soldier might not stand at attention for his wife anymore but it sure did for the tender roni. The dirty bastard needs to be named and shamed!!!
Honestly, my heart goes out to the family and the survivor. No one should have to endure that kind of violation, and justice is only one piece of the recovery. kill that bastard.
Six years only? For violating the trust of a child who was living under his roof? That girl went there for safety and stability. Instead she ended up dealing with trauma that could last a lifetime. The justice system really needs to start sending stronger messages in cases like this.
Whether people want to admit it or not, predators often hide in plain sight, family homes, trusted environments, places where victims feel safe.
I don’t care what excuses he made. A 56-year-old man has no business being involved with a 16-year-old who is living in his house. That alone tells you everything.
seems solid… unfortunately a man is guilty until proven innocent n what proof do they have against him? Both party’s are just claims and claims… look at society though… look at how they behave, comments show the sickness of the civilization
you sick like him your family need to look out for you.
Just deya you need help, show your real name so police can keep their eyes on you wow
How about cutting off his penis
THATS IT? JUST THAT? NOTHING ELSE TO COME?
this story is disturbing. children should feel.safe in their own homes