Serious indecency case begins

A nine-member jury was empanelled today in the No. 4 Supreme Court to hear a sexual offence case against a Silver Hill, Christ Church man.

Raymond John Mofford is on trial before Madame Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell, accused of committing an act of serious indecency against a seven-year-old girl on September 12, 2014, when he was 59 years old. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In his opening address to the jury this afternoon, Crown Counsel Kevin Forde, who is prosecuting the case along with Principal Crown Counsel Krystal Delaney, said the accused is alleged to have performed oral sex on the child in the vicinity of Oistins Bay Garden, Christ Church.

Photographer from the Forensic Scenes of Crime Unit, Police Constable Elton Prescod was the first to give evidence from the witness stand on behalf of the Crown.

He said he went to the location, was briefed by another officer and took photographs of the areas pointed out to him. Five of those photographs, showing an area under a tree and the immediate vicinity, were admitted into evidence.

When Mofford cross-examined Prescod, he said he did not believe the pictures were taken on September 26, 2014 as the officer stated.

“Everything is wrong,” he declared before asking the officer why he did not take a panoramic view of the area.

Prescod said he took photographs of the areas pointed out to him.

“You got to be the worst photographer the Police Force ever had!” Mofford then declared.

The virtual complainant in the matter, who is now a teenager, testified today but gave her evidence in camera.