Arnold Gonzales, a 70-year-old pensioner and labourer from 1½ miles, Bartica, appeared in the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday to face charges of raping a child under the age of 16. The allegations involve a seven-year-old girl from Essequibo Coast, with the incident reportedly occurring between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, in Suddie, Essequibo Coast.
During the proceedings, Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir read the charge to Gonzales, who was not required to enter a plea at this time. The prosecutor opposed bail, citing the gravity of the offence.
Despite the prosecutor’s objections, the magistrate granted Gonzales bail in the amount of $500,000. The conditions of his bail include:
A mandate to stay away from the victim.
No contact with the victim.
Reporting to the Bartica Police Station every Friday until the trial concludes.
The case has been adjourned until February 20, as the proceedings continue.
