Man to pay for indecently assaulting teen model

Adrian Antonio Burke, who was convicted of indecently assaulting an 18-year-old woman has been ordered to pay her $12 000 in compensation or face three years behind bars.

When the No. 20 Gibbons Terrace, Christ Church resident reappeared in Supreme Court No. 2A on Tuesday, Justice Elwood Watts directed him to settle the amount in 12 months.

Last October, a nine-member jury found Burke, 50, guilty of the assault which took place on October 7, 2019.

The virtual complainant, who is now 22, had told the court she met Burke at the supermarket and they exchanged numbers. He told her he was a real estate agent after she told him she was involved in modelling and he said he could get her a job through his website. They arranged a photo shoot.

Burke picked her up, took her to his home, gave her several shirts to try on and took photos of her. He then instructed her to remove the last shirt so he could see what he was “working with”.

The young woman was reluctant but was eventually convinced to remove all her clothing after Burke assured her that she could trust him. However, he subsequently touched her breasts and buttocks and placed her hand on his groin. She told him repeatedly she wanted to go home.

They left his house and he drove her around for a bit, talking to her, but she again told him she wanted to go home and he dropped her off nearby.

The teenager reported the matter to the police.

The case was prosecuted by Principal State Counsel Oliver Thomas and State Counsel Paul Prescod. While Burke was self-represented during the trial, Senior Counsel Andrew Pilgrim was his attorney during the sentencing submissions and sentencing phases.