Teen’s Conflicting Statements Scrutinized in Rape Trial

A defence attorney has challenged a teenager over why her first police statement omitted an allegation that she was raped by her neighbour in February 2023.

The complainant told the High Court she was 14 when the accused entered her home while she was alone and assaulted her. However, she acknowledged initially telling police only that he touched her and then left after realizing she was menstruating.

Attorney Sherfield Bowen suggested she withheld the rape allegation because she feared being punished after a male school friend visited the home against household rules. The court heard that the visit involved masturbation.

The teenager denied changing her account to conceal the boy’s visit. She said she disclosed the alleged rape after learning she would receive a medical examination and speaking with her grandmother, whom she trusted. She also denied having a romantic relationship with the boy.

Her aunt testified that the defendant later called and accused the teenager of attempting to frame him. She said he denied the allegation and subsequently sent voice notes asking her to accompany him to the police station.

A step-aunt told the court that she found the complainant visibly upset and took her to the police station and a clinic. She confirmed witnessing the teenager’s initial police statement, which did not contain the rape allegation.

The defendant has denied wrongdoing, and the trial is continuing.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Teen Testifies Neighbour Raped Her After Entering Home.