HEARING of Ronald Wong’s trial for rape allegedly committed on a young woman in 2000 began yesterday before Justice Ravindra Singh and a mixed jury.

The accused, who pleaded not guilty, is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Peter Hugh, while prosecutors in the trial, Misses Renita Singh and Rhondel Weever, are contending that the victim would say she had been raped by the accused on May 30, 2000.
Prosecutor Singh told the jury in her address that the act of rape is reputedly one of the vilest crimes that can be committed against a woman. She said the victim would come to court to testify that on Tuesday, May 30, she was on her way home at Central Amelia’s  Ward when the accused, Ronald  Wong, whom she recognised, rode up to her on a bicycle and cuffed her on the right side of her face, dragged her onto his bicycle and riding away with her.
The prosecutor said the victim told the police that the accused took her to his home at Kara Kara, where he forced her into his yard and subsequently into a room at his house, where he proceeded to tear off her jacket, skirt and underwear. He then undressed and forcefully had sexual intercourse with her against her will, after which he chucked her out of his home.
The victim then proceeded to the Mackenzie Police Station, where she reported the incident. She was subsequently taken to the hospital, where a doctor on duty medically examined her and issued a medical certificate of his findings.
After conducting investigations, the police accosted the accused at his home, where he made an oral statement but did not give a written statement. Members of the jury were told that during a confrontation between the accused and the victim, the accused admitted having sex with the victim but declared it was with her consent.
The trial is continuing.