Judge overrules defence’s no-case submission

Barama rape case

Justice Jo-Ann Barlow overruled a no-case submission put forward by defence attorneys for the three men accused of raping and sodomising a 17-year-old girl at the Barama Complex in 2007.
Paul Abrams of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara; Claude Craig of Barama Quarters, Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara; and Holston Melville called Pumpkin are all on trial for the alleged rape which occurred at the Barama Complex.
Craig is represented by Attorneys Nigel Hughes and Kezia Williams while Abrams and Melville are represented by Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos.
Following the no-case submission by attorneys for the accused, State Prosecutor Siand Dhurjon responded by pointing out that the state has presented sufficient evidence to prove its case.
In making a ruling, the judge overruled the no-case submission and as such the three accused are expected to lead their defence Monday.
It is alleged that the virtual complainant (VC) was working the night shift at the Barama Complex, Land of Canaan, EBD when her supervisor, Paul Abrams, asked for her assistance with work. It is alleged the accused led the young girl into a room and had sex without her consent and subsequently locked her in a room.
The Prosecution is contending that Abrams then returned with Melville and Craig, who also raped and sodomised the teen.
Workers eventually found her lying naked and crying on a bed in the room and the Police were summoned.