Guard accused of attempted rape gets $150,000 bail

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A 58-year-old security guard of Chaguanas, accused of attempting to rape a co-worker of a relative after she came to their home to make an emergency call, has been granted $150,000 bail.

Richard Branker, of Charlieville, was granted bail when he appeared virtually to answer three sexual offence charges before Magistrate Adrian Darmanie yesterday afternoon.

According to a release from the T&T Police Service (TTPS) the attack allegedly occurred at Branker’s home on February 21.

The victim was allegedly travelling to Curepe in a taxi when it broke down due to mechanical issues near Charlieville.

The victim allegedly went to Branker’s home to make a call as she believed that her co-worker was at home.

Branker allegedly invited the woman inside and said that he was going to call her co-worker.

However, a short while later, he allegedly locked the door and told her that her co-worker was not at home.

The father of four allegedly forced the victim into his bedroom and began to perform sexual acts on her without her consent.

He reportedly attempted to have sex with the victim but was unsuccessful.

The victim was allegedly able to escape after she asked Branker for aspirin and he went to the kitchen for it.

The victim reported the attack to police and was taken for a medical examination.

During his brief court appearance, Branker’s lawyer Bhimal Maharajh claimed that his client surrendered to police this week after he learned of the investigation when he returned home and found his front door demolished.

In applying for bail, Maharajh claimed that Branker was to be considered innocent until proven guilty.

“Considering his presumption of innocence, I am asking for reasonable bail,” Maharajh said.

As part of his bail conditions, Darmanie also gave Branker a cash alternative of $15,000 and ordered that he report to the police once per week for the duration of his case.

Branker is expected to reappear in court on April 9. — Derek Achong