Visitor Rape Suspect Sent to Dodds Prison

A 29-year-old man from Jamaica has been sent to Dodds Prison after being charged with sexually assaulting a tourist on June 12.

Visitor Rape Suspect Sent to Dodds Prison

A 29-year-old man from Jamaica has been sent to Dodds Prison after being charged with sexually assaulting a tourist on June 12.

Roman Arib Patterson, who has no permanent residence, appeared before a magistrate but was not asked to plead. The charge alleges that on June 12 he engaged in sexual activity with a woman who had not agreed to it, or that he did not care whether she agreed.

According to prosecutor Sergeant Gazelda Knight, Patterson came to Barbados in July of last year on a six-month permit. Knight said he never requested an extension and now lacks a stable address.

She opposed his release on bail, telling the bench that the alleged crime against a foreign guest had heightened worries about community safety. She added that authorities knew nothing about Patterson's background, making it irresponsible to allow his release.

Patterson told the court he had stayed at a house in Gall Hill until he was thrown out for non-payment of rent. He claimed he planned to relocate to a new flat within days. He also conceded that his legal stay had expired and that he could not find anyone to act as a guarantor.

Chief Magistrate Douglas Frederick ordered him held until July 17, saying custody was necessary because Patterson lacked immigration status, a bail guarantor, and a stable home. The magistrate told him he needed to arrange a place to live and find people who could vouch for him before bail could be considered.

The case will next be heard at the Oistins Magistrates' Court.

Source: Barbados Today

Source: Barbados Today