kevon.felmine@guardian.co.tt
On the day the world celebrated children, a 61-year-old Point Fortin father wept bitterly as he was found guilty of raping a five-year-old girl.
Conrad Matthias, a father of nine, pleaded his innocence before Justice Maria Wilson after a jury of six men and two women returned the unanimous verdict in the San Fernando High Court on Monday.
Matthias, a retired Petrotrin employee who worked as a taxi driver was represented by former Children’s Authority attorney Renuka Rambhajan.
According to the State’s case, on a date between December 31, 2006, and January 8, 2007, the child was left in Matthias’ care when the mother took two other children to a nearby parlour. It was during that time he sexually assaulted the girl.
Police eventually got a report of the rape and WPC Irmaine Johnson took statements from the girl and her mother. The girl was also medically examined and photographs were taken of the scene. A warrant was issued, leading to Matthias’ arrest and subsequent charge.
The trial, which began in September, included testimonies from the girl, now 15, ASP Belfon and WPC Billy. However, the child’s mother was deemed as a hostile witness. Matthias did not take the stand nor did he call any witnesses.
His defence was that a police officer wanted to adopt the child and because he objected, a false case was made against him. Matthias will reappear before Wilson on December 6 for sentencing.
