The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THREE Abaco men accused of rape in two separate cases were formally arraigned in the Supreme Court yesterday.

Jeremiah Dean and David Swain were jointly charged before Justice Petra Hanna-Adderley with two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl.

The offences were allegedly committed on March 10 and March 12 in Marsh Harbour.

Swain, who was unrepresented, pleaded not guilty to both charges and reserved his right to file a notice of alibi.

When asked whether he wanted the court to appoint an attorney, Swain said he would retain his own counsel. He is currently on bail.

The matter was set for trial on July 28, 2028.

Dean was absent when the case was initially called, prompting the court to issue a bench warrant for his arrest. He later appeared in court after the proceedings.

In a separate matter, Kevin Mitchell was charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with a female minor. He pleaded not guilty.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Eurika Coccia appeared for the Crown, while Ernie Wallace represented Mitchell.

Ms Coccia told Justice Hanna-Adderley that the virtual complainant, her mother and a doctor were present in court. She also said all 19 prosecution witnesses had been notified and would be called to give evidence.

Mitchell’s trial was set for May 29, 2028.