The lawyer for the police constable accused of rape asked the court to withhold the publication of the charge against his client.
Police Constable Frank Gilbert, represented by lawyer Godfrey Pinder, was charged in Court 2 yesterday with raping a 35-year-old woman on Saturday, October 12.
“My client is a person of good character,” Mr. Pinder said.
He told Magistrate Roger Gomez that it would be difficult for PC Gilbert to do his job if news of the incident were reoported
Once the story has appeared, ” it will be the equivalent to him being found guilty,” Mr. Pinder claimed.
Prosecutor Debbie Ferguson of the Office of the Attorney General told Magistrate Gomez that she trusts the press will handle the case responsibly.
Referring to the constable’s daughters, Mr. Pinder said the case would have a “chilling effect on the minds of these young persons.”
“This matter will get out of hand before very long,” he said.
Magistrate Gomez said the court did not have the authority to withhold information of the charge.
Gilbert was not required to enter a plea. He was granted $5,000 bail with one surety.
The case was adjourned to January 29, 2003 for a preliminary inquiry.
By Dominic Duncombe, The Tribune
