Dangriga Police Investigate Allegation of Sex Crime Against Disabled Minor
Ralph Moody
Dangriga Police are currently awaiting the results of an evaluation to determine if a minor in that jurisdiction is able to provide a statement to them. The minor has cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder which affects the part of the brain that controls muscle movement, coordination and speech. Her mother reported to Police that on March thirty-first the child indicated that her stepfather had touched her on her private parts. It is a disturbing accusation, but as we found out, the hands of the Police are effectively tied. A medical examination has concluded that the child’s hymen is torn, but investigators will need more than that. They require a statement from the alleged victim which can stand up in Court. Today, Senior Superintendent Ralph Moody told us that progress is slow because of the factors in the case, but Police are treating it as a priority.
On the Phone: Sr. Supt. Ralph Moody, Southern Regional Commander
“Yesterday an evaluation was done with this individual to say whether or not she is competent to give a statement or even give testimony in Court. This person is a person who is in need, and we are having some difficulty getting a person to assist us. We are still making efforts to try to obtain someone who can communicate with this individual. Basically that is the story.”
Mike Rudon
“In terms of the accused, what is his status at this time? Can Police actually do anything without first getting a concrete statement from the alleged victim?”
On the Phone: Sr. Supt. Ralph Moody
“Well there is nothing we can do Mike. What happened is recently there is a new Criminal Justice procedure which came out which gave us guidelines that we must have evidence before we pick up a person and jail such. If we don’t have the evidence and the matter goes to Court then the Police will be held responsible and a fine can be laid on the Police. But we are investigating the matter, but we need a complaint, we need a report, we need a statement from the individual so that we can continue with the matter.”
Mike Rudon
“Sir we understand that there was some sort of protection order issued. Can you confirm or deny that report?”
On the Phone: Sr. Supt. Ralph Moody
“Yes there was a protection order issued by the Court. I was put in the loop I believe Friday, when the matter went to Court with both the husband and the wife and the Court issued a protection order at this present moment.”
