In cases of incest, because of the complex family relationships involved, it's difficult to get the cases to trial. But today in the Corozal session of the Supreme Court - a case of incest was thrown out when the complainant didn't show up.
It's caused some distress for the prosecutor - because the complainant - who was 16 when she alleges to have been molested by her father - had shown willingness to cooperate and to testify in the trial, even while being pressured from her family not to do so. So today when she didn't show up in court - after she said she would be there, Prosecutor Trennia Young asked the judge for an adjournment.
But Justice Dennis HANOMANSINGH refused, he struck out the case and set the accused free.
As we understand it - the former accused - whose name we cannot disclose because it would lead to the identity of the victim - continues to live with the alleged victim's mother - and sisters - and continues to be their breadwinner - which is why they was pressure on the victim not testify.
