A 56-year-old electrician has been remanded to prison after appearing in the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday to face a charge of raping a minor.
Calvin McDonald, a resident of Lot 237 Onderneeming, West Coast Berbice, stands accused of engaging in sexual penetration with a girl under the age of 16. The alleged offence took place on May 29, 2026, within Region 5.
During the hearing before Magistrate Michelle Matthias, the charge was read to the defendant, who was not required to enter a plea as the matter is indictable.
Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Garfield Edwards, vehemently opposed bail. He argued that the defendant poses a significant flight risk and raised concerns that granting him pre-trial liberty could lead to witness tampering. The prosecution further cited the availability of video evidence, which allegedly shows the defendant entering the victim’s home.
Sergeant Edwards underscored the gravity of the offence, noting the age disparity between the adult accused and the child victim, and confirmed that the prosecution’s case file is complete.
Representing the accused, attorney Sasha Roberts contended that her client has no intention of fleeing. She informed the court that McDonald was willing to surrender his passport and adhere to any reporting conditions set by the magistrate. Additionally, Roberts alleged that her client had been subjected to a severe beating prior to his court appearance, leaving him with injuries across his body.
Magistrate Matthias, citing the seriousness of the crime, the potential risk to the victim, and the concerns regarding flight, denied the bail application. McDonald was remanded to prison and is scheduled to make his next court appearance on June 9, 2026.
