Alpha Jallow, a resident of Barra, North Bank Region was yesterday, August 25th, arraigned before Justice Moses Richard at the special criminal court in Banjul for allegedly raping a 3-year--old girl (name withheld) in Barra.

The particulars of the offence stated that the accused, on the 20th of March 2009, in Barra,  had carnal knowledge of the victim without her consent.  He pleaded not guilty. The alleged victim testified through her father who placed her on his lap. He told the court that on the day in question whilst watching a football march, he was informed by a little boy (name withheld) that a Fula man had taken his daughter away towards the beach. According to him, a search was then mounted and the girl was later seen. He added that she had a swollen face and some bruises on the back of  her head.

According to the witness, the matter was reported to the Barra Police Station and the victim was taken to the Essau Health Centre and later referred to the RVTH. He told the court that a few days later, an identification parade was held at the Barra Police Station where the accused was identified by the little boy who had earlier on informed the witness about the girl's alleged abduction.  

Also testifying, the 8-year old boy, who was said to have alerted the girl's father to her disappearance, said that a group of them (children) were playing and met the accused when he came to the shop of one Ahamdou Sowe. He told the court that they (the children) then asked Alpha Jallow for money. He added that the accused asked them to accompany him to a nearby shop to look for change, but at some point went away with the alleged victim towards the seaside.

The young boy also informed the court that he did identify the accused person at an identification parade which was held at the Barra Police Station.
The case continues on September 2nd