Two persons appeared in court today for separate offences against minors. Officers of the Eastern Division Child Protection Unit (CPU) arrested a 52-year-old woman yesterday. She was charged with one (1) count of failing to report a sexual assault against her daughter. The male suspect, who is the woman’s common-law husband, has since gone into hiding. A warrant has been issued for his arrest. The mother of three appeared at the Sangre Grande Magistrates’ Court today and was granted bail for $500 cash by Magistrate Dubay. In a separate incident, a 61-year-old driver from Tobago was arrested on June 4th. The 14-year-old victim, while assisting police with an enquiry into a physical assault case, confided to officers that the accused had been sexually assaulting her since she was seven-years-old. Enquiries were conducted and he was arrested and charged with three (3) counts of grievous sexual assault and three (3) counts of sexual intercourse with a female under 14 years. He appeared before Magistrate Cedeno at the Scarborough Magistrate’s Court today and was granted bail for $400,000 or $20,000 cash. The Child Protection Unit urges parents and guardians to exercise due diligence when it comes to the safety of their charges. During this period where children are at home and more susceptible to predators, do not leave children unattended or in the care of questionable adults.
