THE mother of an alleged rape victim appeared before Magistrate Adela Nagamootoo, at New Amsterdam Court, last Friday, on a charge of willful neglect. The 27-year-old woman, who has four other children, is charged with having, between August 1 and 31, 2009, at Harlington, Canje Creek, also in Berbice, left the minor daughter in a manner to cause her unnecessary suffering and injury to her health.

On an application by Defence Counsel Jorawar Misir, the defendant, who pleaded not guilty, was granted self-bail.

Her lawyer said she should be released on her own recognisance because she was never summoned to attend Court but became aware of the case through a newspaper report.

Police Inspector Satrohan Dayaram, prosecuting, confirmed that a summons was not issued for the defendant, who has to be back in Court on February 5.