CHILD -VS- CHILD; UNUSUAL DRUG SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE set for September 2023

By Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

#TurksandCaicos, July 17, 2023 – As we continue to follow this precedent setting drug and sexual assault of a child vs a child case in the Providenciales Supreme Court # 2; we can report that presiding Judge Hon Tanya Lobban Jackson, on Thursday July 6 called the now recently turned 18 year old accused in the matter.

Counsel for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution was Enjaleek Dickenson who has conduct of the matter and is vigorously trying to seek Justice for the young child victim from her young child alleged offender.

The accused was 16 years old at the time of the allegations. The alleged victim was 15.

This case dates back to July 2021 and has been pending ever since.

Magnetic Media is careful to not divulge the identity of the child victim in our reporting and although the accused is now 18, because of the age of the allegations and how old he was at the time, we may continue to withhold his name as well.

At the hearing we learnt of the child virtual complainant (VC) being reluctant to come court and give evidence in this case.  Her father told the investigating officer that she said, she no longer wants to proceed.  This position has also been communicated by the alleged victim to the social workers in her matter. She has been complaining that she has exams and is not willing to deal with the matter now.

The social workers expressed to the Court through counsel for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution that they recommend counseling and evaluation for the child victim.

Also raised, was, issue of what kind of drugs was found in the young victim’s blood that the Crown is saying was administered by the young accused.

The attorney for the young accused, Lara Maroof-Misick, using all that is outlined in the matter here and more, coupled with the laws has made a very forceful attempt to have the case thrown out.

However, Enjaleek Dickenson, the public prosecutor, fought even harder in her rebuttal and  won the argument; the case will proceed and is now adjourned – for  the final time – to September 26, 2023.