A 17-YEAR-OLD athlete from a popular Corporate Area high school appeared in court on Thursday to answer to a carnal abuse charge.
The youngster who has represented Jamaica at the junior level, appeared before RM Georgianna Frazer in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court after being accused of having sex with his stepsister.
The complainant's stepfather also appeared on a similar charge. The court heard that between October 2005 and February 2006, both accused had sex with the 15-year-old complainant several times. She reportedly began behaving strangely at school and when questioned, told her counsellors and teachers certain things.
The youth's lawyer argued for his client to be released on bail, stating that he was a well-rounded student who was admired by school administration and his peers. He also told the court that he was preparing for exams. Representatives from the boy's school also appeared in court to show their solidarity and to defend his integrity.
The prosecution, however, objected to bail and cited the fact that the complainant was reportedly being threatened by friends and relatives of the accused. The youngster's lawyer challenged this however, saying the prosecution had no evidence to support this claim.
The youngster was eventually granted bail of $100,000 and was ordered not to go within two miles of the complainant or her school. A curfew was also imposed and he was ordered to surrender his travel documents. RM Frazer also issued a stop order at all the ports. The older man was, however, remanded.
Both are to return to court on June 5.
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