SOUFRIERE FOUR PLEAD GUILTY

Kirby Jackson 16.FEB.07

Four young rapists, the eldest being 26 years old, are now waiting to know their fate.

The four young men charged with the rape of the two Florida teenagers last May changed their plea last Friday, February 9, while appearing before Family Court President, Magistrate Colleen Mc Donald.{{more}}

Their St Lucian defense attorney, A.L.C. Elliot said that after he carefully studied the prosecution’s case he thought it “most prudent” that he consult his clients. He then told the court that he was instructed by them to enter a guilty plea.

Leroy Rodney, Nyron Morgan, Junior Morgan and Clifton Rodney, who also pled guilty to wounding and bodily harm, are now awaiting sentencing.

Elliot, who was called to the Bar in St Vincent and the Grenadines last year, further requested that the matter be sent to the High Court for sentencing at this current assizes if it was possible, because he had already been briefed to mitigate on their behalf.

The prosecution’s case was led by Crown Counsel Saboto Caesar of the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and instructed by Station Sergeant Jacobs.

The eyes of the world were focused on St. Vincent and the Grenadines last May when reports of the rape of the two teenage girls and the beating of their mother at River Bed, at the foot of the Soufriere Mountain became known.

Prime Minister Dr Gonsalves met with the victims and assured them that the full resources of the law would be used to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice. The victims had also vowed to see the matter through to the end.

They however were not in the court when the pleas were changed, but had given evidence previously.

Residents of Chile Village in the Georgetown area were credited for their swift efforts leading to the arrest of Leroy Rodney, Nyron Morgan, Junior Morgan and Clifton Rodney, then 25, 24, 18 and 17 respectively. They appeared before the Family Court for the first time on June 6.