Justice James Bovell- Drakes has issued a bench warrant for alleged rapist Muntaz Yassim, who has been repeatedly absent from his trial at the Berbice Assizes.When the matter was initially called on December 1 last, the accused had pleaded not guilty to two indictments of rape allegedly committed on a girl then aged 11 and 12 years respectively.
However, the case was further adjourned to December 4, due to the unavailability of    Defence Attorney Perry Gossai .
But, on the postponed date,the accused man was a “ no show,” and as a result,  the first bench warrant was issued.
Thereafter the matter was adjourned to December 11, and again, Muntaz Yassin failed to attend his court hearing, resulting in the presiding judge issuing a second warrant.
Particulars of the indictment alleged that between January 1 and December 22, 2006 he had carnal knowledge of a girl aged 11 years.
The second count alleged that between December 22, 2006, and November 20 2007, he had carnal knowledge of the same  girl then aged 12 years.
The accused, of New Street Cumberland, East Canje, has pleaded not guilty to the indictment.