By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 59-year-old man was convicted yesterday of molesting his ten-year-old step-niece while she was in his and his wife’s care two years ago.
The defendant, whose name is being withheld to protect the child’s identity, was found guilty on three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a dependent before Justice Dale Fitzpatrick.
A nine-member jury unanimously convicted him after hearing evidence during the trial. The child testified that the abuse occurred in January and February 2023, after she moved in with her maternal aunt and the defendant following her mother’s death.
The matter was reported in February 2023 after the child confided in classmates, who alerted a guidance counsellor. The police were then contacted.
A doctor later testified to signs of abuse.
The defendant denied the allegations and maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
He has been remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. Sentencing is set for August 15.
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