The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A 26-year-old man was charged in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday with incest and indecent assault.

The man, whose name has been withheld to protect the identity of the victim, was accused of indecently assaulting and engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with his 14-year-old niece.

Police alleged the acts occurred sometime in October and December 13.

During his hearing before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt yesterday, the accused was not required to enter a plea to the charges.

However, when given the chance to speak, the accused told the court that he was working in Ragged Island when the incidents were alleged to have taken place.

“I just came back last week,” he said. “They said this happens from two months ago, but I was off the island.”

After hearing his explanation, Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt said she took note of his claims and subsequently adjourned the matter to February 4.

However, bail was denied and the accused was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Corrections.