The Tribune

THIS morning, Kirk Cornish MP is to be charged with sexual assault and threats of death.

Yesterday evening, ahead of the charges, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis announced that he had accepted Mr Cornish’s resignation as Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister. Mr Cornish has not resigned as an MP and remains in Parliament on the government benches.

Mr Cornish himself issued a statement saying that the allegations are “totally false” and signalling that he would endeavour to continue to serve the people of his North Abaco constituency even as he deals with the legal battle he now faces.

In his statement, he also attributed the events that led to the charges as “a break-up that was manipulated and exploited for political reasons”. He did not elaborate further on who was behind such manipulation or exploitation or point to any evidence of such.

What happens next is that the law will follow its course. That is as it should be. In fact, it is what must happen.

The court will follow its process, and if it proceeds to a jury trial, the jury will consider the evidence as it is laid out in court.

This trial should not be conducted on social media, that can only hinder the progress to a fair outcome, be it conviction or acquittal. A jury must be given a fair opportunity to weigh the evidence presented.

There have been questions about how we got to this point – chiefly to ask whether this investigation was following the same path as others. So too now must the court process be allowed to follow its proper path, and not be derailed.

The charges are very serious, and it appears the process thus far has not been treated lightly. The alleged victim will, if matters proceed accordingly, have the opportunity to present her case in court. Mr Cornish will have the chance to reply.

As Prime Minister Davis said in his statement last night, the independent Director of Public Prosecutions determined “there is sufficient evidence to bring charges”.

He added: “It is now up to our judicial system to resolve the outcome, so I will not be providing additional comment except to say that my prayers are extended to all who are suffering because of this matter.”

Justice must be given a chance. Tomorrow, that process will begin.