The FNM lashed out at Attorney General Alfred Sears yesterday alleging that he has potentially prejudiced the investigation into the rape allegation against Works and Utilities Minister Bradley Roberts.
FNM chairman Carl Bethel said that Mr. Sears’ comments to the press on Thursday jeopardised the chances for a fair trial, and may have indirectly pressured the decsion as to whether or not Mr. Roberts is charged with the offence.
Mr. Sears told the press on Thursday that Police Commissioner Paul Farquharson recommended that rape charges not be filed against Mr. Roberts.
Mr. Bethel said that making the commissioner’s recommendation public could also be seen “as a means for the Attorney General to indirectly pressure his staff towards a certain conclusion.”
Speaking of the delay between the alleged incident involving Mr. Roberts and the commencement of the police inquiry he agreed that rape investigations can sometimes take a long time.
“But it is unheard of for the police to wait three weeks to interview a rape suspect, who is walking around free, is easily reached and who is competent to answer questions from investigators.”
Source: Paco Nunez, The Tribune
