Rowe’s lawyers eye legal action against accuser

The woman who accused government backbencher Neil Rowe of rape on Wednesday is facing the possibility of legal action—news that came moments after the MP was cleared of a rape charge.

Rowe’s lead attorney Michael Lashley SC gave public notice of the possible counter-suit against the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons. She claimed the former deputy speaker of the House of Assembly sexually assaulted her on the morning of September 18, 2022, at his Kingsland, Christ Church home.

The MP for St Michael North West was acquitted of the charge by a nine-member jury on Wednesday before Justice Pamela Beckles.

“We might have to look seriously at a malicious prosecution case,” Lashley said. “We might also have to look and see how we would go after the virtual complainant, who dragged our client’s name in the mud,” Lashley told reporters outside the court, while adding that he still had to get instructions from his client to determine whether to move ahead with the action.

“Her name wasn’t mentioned in the media, but his name was mentioned. So, we have to take instructions from our client. I don’t think the virtual complainant should sit easily from now on, I don’t think so. We will take whatever action is necessary to redeem his [Rowe’s] reputation, respectfully,” the senior counsel said.

The woman had alleged that Rowe had oral and penetrative sex with her without her consent, although he knew she was not in total control of her mental capacity due to having consumed alcohol earlier at a fete. (EJ)