AKEEM Elisha Stuart outside court yesterday. Photo: Vandyke Hepburn
By DENISE MAYCOCK
Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A 19-year-old resident of Grand Bahama was charged with rape, burglary and causing harm in Freeport yesterday.
Akeem Elisha Stuart, of Rose Avenue, Holmes Rock, appeared before Magistrate Simone Brown on three counts of rape, and one count of burglary and causing harm.
He was represented by Osman Johnson.
It is alleged that on Thursday, July 1, the accused had sexual intercourse with a 26-year-old woman without her consent. It is also alleged that at the same date, place, and time, he had sexual intercourse two other times with the virtual complainant without her consent. He was not required to enter a plea to the rape charges, which are indictable offences.
On the burglary charge, it is alleged that on July 1, at about 12.50am the accused broke and entered the house of the virtual complainant at Holmes Rock.
It is also alleged that on the same date and place, Stuart caused unlawful harm to the virtual complainant. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Prosecutor Sergeant Garth McIntosh said because counts one, two, and three are indictable offences the Magistrate’s Court did not have jurisdiction to grant bail on the rape charges.
He objected to bail on the burglary and causing harm charges. Prosecutor McIntosh told the court that the prosecution was concerned the accused would tamper with the witnesses as he knew where the virtual complainant resides.
Mr Johnson informed the court that he would make an application for bail in the Supreme Court concerning counts one, two, and three. With regards to counts four and five, he argued there was no evidence to support why his client would interfere with witnesses, or that he was a risk to the public and witnesses. He noted that his client has not been convicted of any crime.
On the burglary and causing harm charges, Magistrate Brown granted Stuart $6,000 signed bail, and $2,500 signed bail respectively, with one or two suretors.
She also ordered the accused not to have contact with any of the witnesses and to report to the police station every Monday and Friday before 6pm.
The case was adjourned to September 16.
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