A police witness yesterday recalled seeing a scantily-clad woman offering male patrons sex for $300 at a Vistabella hotel and bar.Police Constable Jason Dailey claimed the woman was Dominican Republic national Yenny Maria Rineo-Cruz whom he later arrested and charged with soliciting passersby for the purpose of prostitution.Rineo-Cruz was among 75 women who were arrested at a bar and hotel on March 8. They all pleaded not guilty.
Yesterday Rineo-Cruz's matter started before San Fernando Fourth Court Magistrate Margaret Alert with Dailey taking to the witness stand. The accused is on own bail in the sum of $10,000.Spanish interpreter Luz Marina Tapias de Copilah translated the proceedings to her.In his evidence, Dailey said he was dressed in plain clothes on surveillance duty at the hotel when around 9 pm he observed the accused at the bar area.
He said he kept her under observation for one-and-half hours.He added: "During the time I kept her under my observation I observed the defendant to be scantily clad in lingerie and approaching several male patrons in the bar area and she said to them 'only $300 for sex.' This was spoken in English."
Dailey said around 10.30 pm a team of officers entered the establishment and he and Cpl Lall approached Rineo-Cruz.In cross examination by attorney Hasine Shaikh, Dailey said there were about 100 people in the bar area.He said the accused was charged based on her words and actions.The matter was adjourned to April 11 when Cpl Lall is expected to give evidence. Police prosecutor Sgt Veano Ragoo said Lall was on a firearm training course which would finish today.
The offence carries a penalty of two months imprisonment.Two of 13 women who were previously denied bail were released on $10,000 own bail yesterday after they provided documents proving they were in the country legally.The others had their matters fixed for trial on different dates next month and remanded into custody at the Women's Prison.
