Man to be tried for TWO COUNTS of sexual assault against a child

By Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

#TurksandCaicos, June 5, 2023 – Appearing in court on Thursday June 1, 2023 was a senior adult male LAWRENCE JONES having been charged with two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 years old.  He’s alleged to have committed the offenses once in 2021 and then again on  March 6, 2022.

The case has been pending since his arrest last year and the child has since left the jurisdiction and currently resides in the UK.

The Court heard from public prosecutor, Enjaleek Dickenson of the office of the DPP in an application under the Vulnerable Witnesses Ordinance.

She told the court that, the young virtual complainant (VC) has indicated and express her unwillingness to attend a live open court proceeding as she wishes not to be in the same room with her accused sexual attacker.

Attorney for the defendant Mr. Jones, Ashwood Forbes objected to the application of the Public Prosecutor, outlining challenges the defense would face without the child witness being present in court and how it could result in unfairness to his client’s trial.

The Hon Chief Magistrate Mr. Jolyon Hatmin at the conclusion of hearing, had both side in agreement, ruling in favor of the Prosecution which will allow the witness to testify by video link/Zoom at a proper and secured location.

The matter was adjourned for trial on July 4, 2023 and the bail has been extended for the accused to that date.