Tashieka Mair, Star Writer

WESTERN BUREAU

A 21-year-old man charged with carnal abuse for having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl, was granted bail with reporting conditions in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

Attorney Morrel Beckford said the complainant told his client, Vivian Robinson, that she was approaching her 17th birthday.

He said that his client believed that she was that age because the child appeared older than age 14.

Beckford said that though he did not condone the offence, it was a refreshing change to hear that the complainant admitted that she had initiated the act that had landed his client before the court.

It is alleged that on November 30, the minor was left at home with her other siblings. However, the child left and went to Robinson's house where they allegedly had sexual intercourse.

The incident was brought to light when the girl's mother questioned her whereabouts that day and became suspicious based on the child's answers. A report was made to the police after the child told her mother what had happened.

In a statement, the child told the police that she had offered to have sex with Robinson, who responded that it was entirely up to her.

He was granted bail in the sum of $100,000 and is to report to the Cambridge Police Station on Mondays. He is scheduled to return to court on January 19.