A Deacons Farm mechanic has been granted $5 000 bail with surety after appearing in court on a charge of having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl.
Mario DaCosta Whitehead of Neptune Road, Deacons Farm, St Michael, was not required to plead to the charge that sometime between August 5 and 24, he had sexual intercourse with a minor, with the purported consent of the girl who is under the age of 16.
Objecting to his release, Prosecutor Sergeant Kenmore Phillips stated that it was necessary to protect the vulnerable in society and noted the strength of the evidence in the case.
Noting that her client had one previous conviction which was not similar in nature and was of some vintage, defence attorney Shadia Simpson said that such cases often take a long time before there was disclosure. She added that reasonable conditions could be imposed to ensure Whitehead’s court attendance.
Releasing him on bail with surety, Magistrate Manila Renee warned him to stay away from the complainant and adjourned the case until January 7, 2027. (JB)
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