An Arima man accused of breaking into a house, kidnapping two women and raping one was yesterday denied bail on seven charges.Derek Joseph, 37, was not called upon to plead to the charges when he appeared before San Fernando magistrate Siumongal Ramsaran.The offences stemmed from an incident on March 12 in which it is alleged that he and another person broke into the home of a 34-year-old woman in Marabella and stole $37,300 in jewelry.
It is also alleged that Joseph and another person kidnapped the 34-year-old woman and another woman, age 25.It is further alleged that Joseph falsely imprisoned the women in Arima.The police also charged Joseph with raping the 34-year-old woman in Arima and committing grievous sexual assault on her.Joseph's attorney Kerry Martin asked that for convenience, all the matters be transferred to the Arima First Magistrates Court.
However, the magistrate turned down her request, saying that the incident was initiated in the San Fernando jurisdiction and therefore all the matters will remain in South.A fingerprint trace revealed Joseph had two previous convictions and three pending matters.Kidnapping is no longer a bailable offence, but on the other matters he was denied bail because of their serious nature.
Joseph was remanded into custody and advised of his right to apply to a judge in chambers for bail.The matter was adjourned to April 17.
