Verdict looms in carnal knowledge case

Josiah Baptiste, who was implicated for child sexual activity almost a decade ago, will soon know his fate. Now that the State has rested its case, the Prosecution will make its closing address before the 12-member jury today at the High Court in Georgetown.

The Defence team, which comprises Folia Richards and Maxwell McKay, will also present its closing address before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow.

Baptiste, reportedly a 31-year-old pastor, is accused of carnally knowing a girl who was said to be 6 years old at the time. The incident is alleged to have occurred in a community in Greater Georgetown sometime between June 1 and 30, 2007.

According to the particulars of the case, Baptiste was alone at home with the young child when he called her into a room and engaged her in sexual penetration. The child is alleged to have told her mother what had happened, but the mother had not taken the child’s assertion seriously. However, after another family member had reportedly become aware of what had transpired, the accused was taken into police custody, and later charged in February 2009.

A total of 11 witnesses testified throughout the course of the trial. Justice Barlow is expected to sum up the case on Wednesday morning before the jury can determine whether or not Baptiste is innocent or guilty.

State Prosecutor Shawnette Austin led the State’s case, and was assisted by fellow prosecutors Mandell Moore and Tamica Clarke.