Prosecutors have been given three weeks to decide whether they intend to proceed with a case against a man accused of sending sexually explicit messages to a minor.
The defendant faces one count of sexual communications with a child, to which he previously entered a not guilty plea.
Appearing before the Summary Court on Monday, 18 March, he listened from the dock as his attorney, Amelia Fosuhene, explained that all indications suggested there would be no trial.
“The complainant made a very early withdraw statement in this case,” said Fosuhene. “As such, the investigating officer in this matter was under the impression that the matter would not be proceeding. However, there seems to have been some communication error between the police and the [Director of Public Prosecutions].”
Rising to her feet to confirm Fosuhene’s submissions, prosecutor Sophie Quinton-Carter told Magistrate Philippa McFarlane that her office had intended to ask for an adjournment as well.
“We are asking for three weeks to have the matter reviewed, given the shortage of staff and our current workload,” said Quinton-Carter.
When granting the adjournment, McFarlane stressed that a decision on whether the prosecution would be proceeding should be provided at the next hearing on 8 April.
The defendant was released on bail.
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