By Alric Lindsay
Cory Godfrey Bowen appeared in the Grand Court today, October 7, 2024, to face indecent assault charges concerning alleged touching of a 16-year-old on her breast, thigh and vagina. Bowen also faces charges of threats to kill a police constable after being arrested for the incidents. Bowen denies all allegations.
Background of indecent assaults
According to the prosecution, the alleged incidents occurred on June 27, 2022.
Allegedly, Bowen took the 16-year-old girl and others to celebrate an event. This included the purchase of food and alcohol.
The celebration reportedly continued on a boat where there was a party involving Bowen and the young girls.
While the 16-year-old was dancing in her bikini on the boat, Bowen allegedly complimented her on her appearance.
Allegedly, Bowen “pulled her onto his lap” and “pushed his hand under her bikini top and used his finger to touch her breast.” The young girl resisted and “pushed his hand away.”
Allegedly, Bowen then “used his thumb to touch her… in the crease between her leg and her vagina.”
Subsequent to the boat party, Bowen allegedly transported the young girls in a car.
Allegedly, while Bowen drove the car, the 16-year-old girl requested ice cream.
After getting ice cream, Bowen was reportedly meant to take the young girl to her home.
Instead, Bowen allegedly proceeded to take the young girl to his home.
Allegedly, during the drive to Bowen's home, Bowen touched her thigh several times. She reportedly pushed his hands away.
Upon arriving at his home, Bowen allegedly held the young girl by her arm and “pulled her into the house and into the bedroom.”
Reportedly, Bowen then “turned off the lights and removed his shirt and pants and he left his underwear on.”
Bowen allegedly invited her to sit on the bed with him and “proceeded to kiss her… on her back and shoulders.” In response, the young girl reportedly tried to push Bowen away repeatedly.
Eventually, Bowen reportedly took the girl home, at which time she called 911 and made a report.
The next day, she gave a formal report to the police.
Bowen’s arrest and threats to kill
Bowen was subsequently arrested based on the report made by the young girl.
Allegedly, while in custody, Bowen threatened to kill a female police officer.
Bowen reportedly said, “I will give all of you some work to do…I’m going to kill every one of you.”
What the prosecution must prove
Having provided a summary of the facts to the jury, the prosecution explained that it is the prosecution’s burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Bowen committed the offences for which he is charged. Regarding this, there is no requirement for Bowen to say anything or answer any questions.
The prosecution added that it is for the prosecutor to prove to the jury that the young girl was sexually touched by Bowen, it was unwanted and that she had not given him any consent to touch her.
The prosecution continued:
… as it relates to [the female police constable], prosecution must prove that Bowen, in fact, said those words and certainly to kill her, and that she believed that he would actually carry out those words.
The jury then retired until 2pm when the trial was expected to continue.
Media reporting restrictions
In the meantime, the judge gave a warning to members of the jury that they must not discuss the case with members of the public and must ignore any media reports on the case.
The judge also issued an order that the names of the young girls, the witnesses and the relationship between Bowen and the young girls are not to be published by or in any media.
