Judge Gives Closing Summary In Trial of Man Accused of Offences Against Girl, 13. Jury To Issue Verdict Soon.

By Alric Lindsay

A jury in the Grand Court began deliberations today, September 3, 2026, in the trial of a man accused of a series of sexual offences against a 13-year-old girl.

The defendant, who cannot be publicly named due to media reporting restrictions, faces six counts on an indictment laid before the Grand Court. Four allege indecent assault, contrary to section 132 of the Penal Code. A fifth alleges inviting a child to participate in sexual activity. The sixth alleges abuse of a position of trust.

The case of Crown Counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is that the offences occurred over a period of roughly a fortnight in late May and early June 2025.

The abuse of trust count alleges that the defendant occupied a position of trust in relation to the complainant at the time of the conduct alleged. Section 228L is engaged where an adult in a defined relationship of responsibility toward a young person engages in any sexual communication with that child or engages with that child in an activity that is sexual in nature.

After Justice Peters completed her summing-up to the jury today, the jury retired to consider its verdicts. In her directions, the judge is required to remind jurors that the burden of proof rests on the Crown throughout, that the standard is proof beyond reasonable doubt, and that each count must be considered separately on the evidence relating to it.

The defendant denies the charges.

Reporting of the trial remains subject to the ordinary restrictions applying to live criminal proceedings. A verdict is expected in the coming days.