A 28-year-old construction worker was on Wednesday remanded to prison after appearing before the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court on a charge of sexual penetration without consent.
The accused, Rohan Mohamed, appeared before Magistrate Tuanna Hardy in relation to the indictable offence, which allegedly occurred in the county of West Bank Berbice. He was not required to enter a plea.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Garfield Edwards told the court that the victim is well known to the accused.
According to the prosecution, on the night of the incident, at approximately 23:50hrs, Mohamed allegedly forced his way into the victim’s home and threatened her with a knife, directing her to comply with his advances.
The court heard that the suspect, who was unmasked, engaged in unwanted sexual contact with the victim before fleeing the scene.He was later apprehended by police.
During the hearing, the prosecution strongly objected to bail.
In response, Mohamed denied the allegations, telling the court, “It is not me, it is my brother,” and claimed that he was at home with his wife and child at the time.
He further stated that his brother, who resembles him, is known to law enforcement.
However, Prosecutor Edwards dismissed this claim, noting that the accused’s brother has distinct physical differences, including long hair and a taller build.
Mohamed also argued that the investigation into the matter was not properly conducted.
The prosecution maintained that the accused poses a flight risk, citing a previous incident in which he allegedly fled to Suriname while on bail.
The prosecutor further expressed concern that Mohamed could interfere with the victim, alleging that he had done so in the past.
Magistrate Hardy denied bail and remanded Mohamed to prison.
The matter was adjourned to April 22.
