OWNER of Hollywood Bollywood Club in Kitty, Irene Gooding, 60, of Lot 163 Lamaha Street, Newtown, also in Georgetown, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson yesterday, charged with harbouring a female for exploitation. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the offence, particulars of which said, between February 1 and 18, she harboured the person for the purpose.
But Defence Counsel Michael Somersall said Gooding is a businesswoman from whom the virtual complainant sought employment and the defendant was not certain of her age.
The lawyer said Police raided the night spot before charging Gooding.
The investigating policeman informed the Court that the 13-year-old ran away from her grandmother’s home and went to work with the defendant and, after the raid, she was sent back to the grandparent but disappeared again and her present whereabouts are unknown.
Gooding was put on $150,000 bail and the case was transferred to another Court for May 11.