Woman in Court on Child Neglect and Abuse charges

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

#TurksandCaicos, August 18, 2023 – The criminal allegation dates to June 5th, 2023 and while the nature of the charges, the age, sex or identity of the child went unrevealed in court, the charges were clear.  King’s Counsel, Oliver Smith is representing the woman who is charged with “causing a child to be in need of care and protection.”

We were not able to confirm if the woman charged is the child’s birth mother but it is believed so.  If convicted, one could face a maximum penalty of up to three years imprisonment and/or up to a $20,000.00 fine.

During court on Monday August 14th, 2023 when the woman, whose name we withhold in consideration of the child in the matter, appeared before the Magistrate’s Court and entered a  Not Guilty plea to the charge on the advice of KC Smith her attorney.

Tamika Grant, Senior Counsel for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) informed the Court that the ODPP is not interested in imprisoning or causing the defendant to have a criminal record but she is in discussion with Smith as to what is the best course of action for all involved.

The matter was adjourned to September 25th, 2023 and it was discussed that what is best and fair in the circumstances of this case could be rectified by then.

It was disclosed that the learned Chief Magistrate, Jolyon Hatmin was also in communication with both counsels on what is the best way forward in this novel and delicate matter.