The Tribune

By NICO SCAVELLA

Tribune Staff Reporter

nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A JAMAICAN man and woman were arraigned in a Magistrate's Court yesterday over accusations of cruelty to an 11-year-old girl.

Roger Omoy Hanson, 37 and Sophia Sands, 39, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged with one count of child cruelty stemming from the June 7 incident.

It is alleged that on the day in question, Hanson and Sands unlawfully ill-treated the child in a manner that caused her unnecessary suffering.

Both Hanson and Sands pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Crown indicated that it had no objection to bail for the two accused, and the chief magistrate proceeded to grant the two $2,500 bail each with one surety.

However, noting the issue with the virtual complainant being known to Sands, the chief magistrate adjourned the matter to June 19 for the appointment of a suitable third party to facilitate and mediate interactions between the two.

Should a third party be found before that time, Chief Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt said counsel for the accused is free to approach the court on the issue.

Otherwise, she ordered that Hanson and Sands have no contact with the child, verbal or otherwise until they return to court on June 19, or until a suitable third party is found and confirmed by the court.