John Baptist, accused of abusing minor, fails to appear in court

John Baptist

The trial of a Belize City man for sexually abusing a young girl had to be put on hold because the accused failed to return to court. John Baptist’s trial got underway last week in the Supreme Court and continued throughout the week, but earlier this week Baptist was a no show. He is accused of abusing a young girl several times between 2003 and 2010. The alleged victim is now a teenager; she took the stand and gave riveting testimony of the ugly crime committed against her which began when she was six years old. She told the court that Baptist would abuse her mostly at nights and when it was dark. He first touched her inappropriately and on another occasions, fondled and performed oral sex on her, but she did not speak of it because he had threatened to hurt her. Baptist had been advised that his case would be coming to an end and as such he would have to address the jury but he has not return to court. That prompted the judge to issue a warrant for his immediate arrest. Baptist had secured bail from the Supreme Court after he was arraigned for carnal knowledge and aggravated assault and of an indecent nature.