Rape and robbery accused denies having gun in unsworn statement

Shane Jamal Cox told the nine-member jury in Supreme Court No. 4 on Thursday that he has never had or owned a gun, as his rape and robbery trial continued.

Opting to give a brief unsworn statement from the dock, the accused man stated, “On the night that (the complainant) said she was robbed and raped, I was at home with my chile mudda, not feeling well in the presence of she granmudda and she granfadda at the same time. I did not rob or rape (the complainant). I ain’t got no gun and I never owned one.”

After his attorney Rita Evans informed the court that the defence had one witness to give evidence, but who was unable to attend court that day due to work commitments, Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell adjourned the matter until next Tuesday.

Cox of Passage Gardens, Passage Road, St Michael, is accused of having sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent and robbing her of a gold chain valued $450 and a ring worth $120 on June 18, 2018.

The matter is being prosecuted by Principal State Counsel Rudolph Burnett and Senior State Counsel Kevin Forde.

Attorney Ensley Grainger is also representing the accused in association with Evans.