Magistrate's Court

Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News

Magistrate's Court

Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News

From all indications, the complainant in the rape case against Jamaican native, Paul Anthony Alexander, is no longer interested in pursuing the allegations she made against the man. However, this is not stopping the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) office from pursuing the case.

On Friday, October 19, Prosecutor Sarah Benjamin informed the court that they are having some difficulties with the complainant, who has made certain indications to the crown and has also sent a letter to the court. However, Magistrate Tamia Richards said, "this unsigned letter."

Benjamin said that though they are having difficulty dealing with the woman, they will still be proceeding with the matter. "So despite this, we will still be proceeding with the matter."

Alexander's lawyer, Ruthilia Maximea said the complainant had also related certain things to her, but she directed the woman to the correct channel.

Magistrate Richards said it is not entirely the complainant's choice on whether the case moves forward.

November 8 was set as a date for the commencement of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI).

Alexander is charged with the indictable offence of rape and on August 22, he was granted $70,000 bail signed with two sureties and $10,000 of that amount was to be paid in cash. However, he has failed to post bail and is currently behind bars.

During his arraignment, Prosecutor Leslie Ann Faulkner told the court that the defendant and the complainant know each other.

It is alleged that on August 19 around 10:45 in the morning, the complainant was in the area of East End seeking a ride to Parham Town. At the time, she was offered a ride by Alexander, who was proceeding in the same direction.

Faulkner said during the ride, it is alleged that Alexander began to make advances at the complainant by kissing and touching her; however, she asked him to stop but he did not pay heed to her pleas.

It is alleged that the defendant drove past the woman's destination [Parham Town] and headed towards Beef Island. During this time, the woman made attempts to open the vehicle's door with the hope that he would stop, but he didn't.

Faulkner said Alexander took the woman to an area known as Little Mountain at Beef Island where he then climbed over on the passenger seat where the woman was sitting. She said despite pleas by the woman for him to stop, he forced himself on her and proceeded to rape her.

It is alleged that the defendant was not wearing any protection during the incident.

Following the ordeal, the complainant allegedly stood at the roadside where she got a ride from a safari taxi to the East End Police Station. She was then taken to the Peebles Hospital where she was examined.

Alexander was arrested and charged on August 20.

During his August court appearance, Alexander briefly told the court that he did not rape the woman and that the complainant has since sent a letter to the Police Station.