Mechanic on bail in statutory rape case

A Deacons Farm mechanic has been granted $5 000 bail with surety after appearing in court on a charge of having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl.

Mario DaCosta Whitehead of Neptune Road, Deacons Farm, St Michael, was not required to plead to the charge that sometime between August 5 and 24, he had sexual intercourse with a minor, with the purported consent of the girl who is under the age of 16.

Objecting to his release, Prosecutor Sergeant Kenmore Phillips stated that it was necessary to protect the vulnerable in society and noted the strength of the evidence in the case.