Man committed to stand trial for Soesdyke Bar rape

Barry Sullivan, 28, has been committed to stand trial for an alleged rape that occurred at Raghoo’s Bar, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, after spending several weeks on the run. Police confirmed that Sullivan was arrested on July 28, following a manhunt, and was subsequently charged in connection with the incident, which reportedly took place on July 13. 
His last known address was listed as Ice House Road, Timehri, East Bank Demerara.
Sullivan made his first court appearance on July 31 before Magistrate Tamika Clarke at the Friendship Magistrate’s Court, where he was remanded to prison. The case experienced multiple adjournments over the months to allow for full disclosure and the receipt of statements of the accused.
The matter proceeded via paper committal this past week, during which all statements were read, admitted, and tendered into evidence. Magistrate Clarke ruled that a prima facie case had been established, and Sullivan was formally committed to stand trial at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Sexual Offences Court.
Prior to Sullivan’s arrest, two other men were charged in connection with the case. Thirty-six-year-old DJ Leon Defreitas, of Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, and 30-year-old office assistant Ryan Rajnarine, of Soesdyke Back Road, were remanded to prison on charges of inciting Sullivan to commit the sexual assault.
According to police, both men were part of the entertainment team at Raghoo’s Bar on the night of the incident and actively encouraged the attack while patrons watched. Authorities described their roles as “complicit and enabling”.
The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, triggered national outrage. Investigators reported that the 20-year-old Amerindian survivor was allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted by three men, including Sullivan, during the encounter. The disturbing footage prompted the immediate closure of Raghoo’s Bar and drew condemnation from top government officials.