According to the particulars of offence, A. Priera on the 29th of June 2023, at Old Jeshwang in the Kanifing Municipality of the Republic of The Gambia forcefully and unlawfully had carnal knowledge of a 16 years girl (name withheld) thereby, committed an offence.
The accused person on the 29th of June 2023, at Old Jeshwang in the Kanifing Municipality of the Republic of The Gambia unlawfully and indecently assaulted a 16 years old girl by taking naked pictures and video of her while having sex with her without her consent, thereby committed an offence.
The prosecuting officers, A. Jallow and S.I. Kebbeh explained that under the Sexual offence Act, rape is bailable as it is a right as provided under section 19 of the 1997 Constitution.
“Therefore, on granting bail, it is discretional and as such it must be exercised judiciously and judicially, prosecutors stated.”
The prosecuting officers further stated that “we are afraid that if we grant the accused person bail he may interfere with our evidence because the victim is a minor, and secondly the accused person may also jump bail which may have a hindrance on the trial.
The Sexual Offence Act 2013 states rape is punishable under section 4 of the Act and the crime of indecent assault to a female under section 126 (3) is stated in the Criminal Code, laws of The Gambia.
