By Roy Sanford, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU:
THE TRIAL of Adventist pastor Conrad Spence, which was expected to begin the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's court on Thursday, was stalled by the absence of the investigating officer and Spence's attorney.
Spence who is facing the charges of carnal abuse and assault stemming from allegations that he had sex repeatedly with a teenager, has to wait until February 5 to be tried. The case has been before the court since September.
In court on Thursday, the investigating officer, Marvlin Graham, failed to show up, even after her name was called repeatedly. Spence's attorney, Trevor HoLyn, was also absent. The Crown, led by Clerk of Court Sharon Barnes, said that she had not heard from HoLyn and, to her knowledge, his office was closed during the holidays. She said she did not know if his office had reopened.
Miss Barnes also told the court that HoLyn has raised concerns about the age of the teenager and she is expecting a statement from her father to be added to the court's file. The statement is expected to verify the complainant's age.
Spence, 36, minister of religion of Bickersteth, St. James is accused of sexually molesting a 15-year-old girl at various times between January and August of this year. The girl reportedly lived with him and his wife.
It is reported that the teenager made the revelation to the police, after an altercation between her and Spence over the washing of dishes. During the altercation, which reportedly occurred on September 4, Spence allegedly inflicted three blows to the young girl's face causing swelling and bruises.
She allegedly told the police that whenever she refused his sexual advances, he would beat her. A formal report was made at the Freeport Police Station in Montego Bay and, afterwards, the teenager was taken to a doctor. Spence was arrested on the morning of September 6.
In previous court appearances, the minister pleaded not guilty to the charges. His $150,000 bail was extended until February 5.
