A 38-YEAR-OLD father of Wakapao, Lower Pomeroon River was remanded to prison on Friday, June 5, when he appeared before Essequibo Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Suddie court to answer to a charge of having sexual intercourse with a child who is a family member.The father was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that between January 1 st and 31st, 2015, at Wakapao community, he engaged in sexual activity with his 14-year-old daughter.

Prosecutor Haimraj Ramsewack, in opposing bail, said the victim is presently hospitalised and is five months pregnant. He told the court that the offense is very prevalent although of a serious nature, and should the defendant be granted bail, there is a likelihood of him tampering with the victim.

Before a courtroom packed with curious persons, Magistrate Sunil Scarce refused to grant the father bail, and put the case down for July 26.
(Rajendra Prabhulall)