Soldiers on rape charges for court June 25

TWO SOLDIERS who are facing sex charges following an alleged attack on a female trainee at the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Up Park Camp headquarters in St Andrew are to return to the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on June 25.

Private Michael Grant, 22, of a St Mary address, is charged with rape, grievous sexual assault, and robbery with aggravation, while Private Anuk Moncrieffe, 19, from St Catherine, is charged with aiding and abetting rape, grievous sexual assault, and robbery with aggravation.

Last Thursday when the men appeared in court, a mention date was scheduled for disclosure to be made to their lawyers and their bail was extended.

According to allegations on March 12, about 8:30 p.m., the accused soldiers were on patrol when they saw the trainee and a male companion having sex in an abandoned building.

Both soldiers reportedly demanded money from the complainant and her companion and the male companion was subsequently sent to get the cash.

After the male left for the ATM, it is further alleged that Grant had sexual intercourse with the woman against her will and forced her to carry out other sexual acts while Moncrieffe kept watch.

Following the alleged incident, the complainants reported the matter to the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse and the soldiers were arrested and charged.

Attorney-at-law Peter Champagnie, QC, is representing Moncrieffe, while attorney-at-law Vanessa Taylor is representing Grant