Magistrate Ayana Baptiste-DaBreo issued an order today, September 21, 2015 that the name, address, or any form of identity of the police officer charged with indecently assaulting a minor not be disclosed to the media in any form or fashion or should the complainant’s. Photo: VINO/File

A police constable who is accused of indecently assaulting a minor has been charged and placed on compulsory leave. The accused officer was said to be stationed at the Virgin Gorda Police Station. Photo: VINO/File

This instruction came after the defendant’s attorney Mrs Valerie Stephens-Gordon disclosed to the court her discontentment with the name and identity of her client being mentioned by online news agency BVI Platinum News. The news outlet has since removed the accused’s name and photograph from its article.

The police constable, who is accused of indecently assaulting an eight-year-old, was placed before the Magistrate’s Court today, September 21, 2015.

Mrs Stephens-Gordon also sought to have the case today heard in-camera, but her request was denied by Magistrate Baptiste-DaBreo who said for such a matter serious in nature there is no need for the public to be barred from certain information regarding the case.

The Magistrate strongly re-iterated, however, that the identities of the accused and complainant not be disclosed to the public.

Crown Counsel Mr O’Neal Simpson, when asked if he had anything to say regarding the court’s decision to not have the case heard in-camera, agreed with the court and added “who has ears let him hear….”

Prior to the start of the court proceeding, a police officer had attempted to remove reporters from the courtroom. “Ayo can’t stay here, don’t waste your time you got to leave…ayo still here?” she told reporters.

Reporters, however, asked the police officer on what grounds they were being asked to leave but was not given one and so they remained in the courtroom.

A family member of the accused also attempted to enforce the instructions of the police officer. “You heard what the police said? You heard what the police said?” she rudely asked.

See previous article published September 21, 2015

Update: Police officer charged for indecent assault of minor

- placed on compulsory leave

The police constable who is accused of indecently assaulting a minor has been charged and placed on compulsory leave.

Virgin Islands News Online reported on September 20, 2015 that an officer attached to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in Virgin Gorda was in hot water over allegations of indecently assaulting an 8-year-old.

The accused is said to have been a friend of the child's family and the alleged crime is believed to have been committed just about a month ago.

“A Police Constable, placed on compulsory leave after allegations he indecently assaulted a minor, was charged. The officer was officially charged with indecent assault and is to appear before Magistrate’s Court at the next available appointment,” a press release issued today, September 21, 2015 by the RVIPF stated.

It further stated that the RVIPF policy does not permit the release of any details in relation to the assault or the constable’s name.

See previous article published September 20, 2015

VG cop held for allegedly indecently assaulting child

 Information reaching Virgin Islands News Online is that a police constable attached to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in Virgin Gorda is in hot water over allegations of indecently assaulting an 8-year-old.

This news site awaits a response from the Public Relations Unit of the RVIPF but has confirmed with persons close to the matter that the police officer was still in custody up to yesterday September 19, 2015.

The accused is said to have been a friend of the child's family and the alleged crime is believed to have been committed just about a month ago.

Virgin Islands News Online will keep you updated as more information comes in.