Dr
Awa Jah, a medical doctor at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital
(EFSTH), on Tuesday 6 December 2016 told the High Court in Banjul presided over
by Justice O. Ottaba that an eight-year-old girl (name withheld) was sexually
assaulted.
Dr
Jah made this disclosure while giving evidence as a prosecution witness, in an
ongoing criminal trial of one Pa Omar Keita.
The
accused is standing trial on two counts of rape and abduction.
The
prosecution alleged that the accused on 21 March 2016 had unlawful carnal
knowledge of the eight-year-old girl, and unlawfully detained her against her
will at Brikama Madina Pipiline in the West Coast Region.
Testifying
before the court, the witness said her role as a medical doctor is to see
patients, examine them, investigate, diagnose and treat them.
She
narrated that at about 3.11pm on 23 March 2016, whilst she was on duty, the
victim was brought in by her mother accompanied by two police officers, after
she (the victim) was referred from the Brikama Health Centre on suspicion of sexual
assault.
The
victim reported that as she was heading home from school, when the accused
chased her and grabbed her, took her to his house, undressed her and had sexual
intercourse with her.
The
witness said she examined her general appearance and mental state.
She
conducted further examination on the victim, and found out that the victim’s
vagina was irregularly torn; there was hyperaemiral labia minor, and concluded
that there was a forceful vaginal penetration.
Dr
Jah said a HIV test was conducted on the victim, she was sent home, and asked
to repeat the test after three months.
She
disclosed that a medical report was issued, which she identified and it was
tendered in evidence in court and admitted and marked as an exhibit.
Hearing
continues on 20 December 2016.
