– VC opts not to give evidence
EX-soldier Leonard Bristol facing several charges for rape, was freed on one count after an alleged victim opted not to testify before Justice Jo Ann Barlow at the Berbice Assizes.
He was unrepresented by counsel.
The teenage victim said that she was not threatened, but has decided not to testify against the accused. However, State Prosecutor Ms. Tuanna Hardy said the private/hire car driver, aged 26 years of Lot 37 Bristol Street, Cumberland, East Canje, is alleged to have fondled a 12-year-old girl, whom he was transporting to a secondary school in New Amsterdam in 2014 .
At the time of the incident, the virtual complainant, a First Form student, had joined the defendant’s car, which was expected to take her to the Berbice Educational Institute. However, after the defendant dropped off the other passengers, he diverted from the intended route and drove to a desolate area at Palmyra Village, where it was alleged that he fondled the juvenile’s privates.
Subsequently, the child was taken to her school, where an observant teacher noticed her lateness and questioned her about the reason for being late. The child then confided in her class teacher, who in turn contacted the child’s mother, who then reported the matter to the police.
