Retrial ordered for Tobago man, 63, accused of raping stepson’s daughter following appeal by DPP, judges criticize previous dismissal.
A 63-year-old Tobago man faces a retrial for raping his stepson’s 15-year-old daughter, following an appeal by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
His identity was withheld due to his connection to the alleged victim and to avoid prejudicing his eventual retrial. Appellate judges ordered the retrial, upholding the DPP’s appeal against the premature dismissal of the case by a High Court Judge. The judge’s decision, based on alleged inconsistencies in witness testimony, was deemed erroneous by the appellate panel. Deputy DPP Sabrina Dougdeen-Jaglal argued that the inconsistencies were not crucial to the case and supported the retrial, emphasizing the victim’s willingness to testify again. Chief Public Defender Hasine Shaikh opposed the retrial, citing weak evidence and the defendant’s age and health. The panel disagreed with the judge’s assessment, suggesting that the jury should determine guilt or innocence despite minor flaws.
The judges ordered the case to proceed to trial by April 30th and reinstated the defendant’s bail. The man is accused of attacking the teenager on July 9th, 2012, while she was staying at his home.
