BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS – The trial against Camillus ‘Jim’ Parris, a Dominican who faces one count of rape and two counts of indecent assault against two minors, should come to a close in the High Court today.
It is alleged that in 2007 and 2008 Parris sexually assaulted two girls under the age of 13.
One of the complainants was allegedly raped by the defendant. She was seven at the time of the incident.
Background
It is alleged that between January 31 and December 31, 2007 Parris sexually assaulted one of the virtual complainants (VC) who was nine at the time. The VC came home from school and while watching television was asked by Parris to enter his bedroom.
When she did not heed to his request Parris is alleged to have taken the VC into his bedroom, take off her pants and underwear then proceeded to insert a finger into her vagina.
It was during Child Abuse Month, April 2010, when an officer was speaking to students about the types of abuses children can report on that the VC went to her guidance counsellor and told her what had happened to her.
A report was made to the Family and Juvenile Unit and Social Development Department prompting a swift and thorough investigation.
Meanwhile, the other VC, who was seven at the time, was encouraged to go into the defendant’s bedroom and when she refused he allegedly held the VC, taking her into the room. BVI News understands that the VCs are related.
The court heard that Parris removed his clothing then the VC’s and proceeded to forcefully have sex with the seven-year-old girl. According to Crown Counsel Hanely, the VC began to scream pleading with the defendant to stop but it was not until she bit his shoulder Parris ‘got off of her’. The act was committed sometime in 2008.
Also during 2008 while the same seven-year-old VC was watching television, it is alleged that Parris pushed his hand up the minor’s skirt and began rubbing her vagina. It is alleged when she told him to stop Parris told her she could get a $1 if he did. Again the VC told him to stop to which he complied.
Again it was during Child Abuse Month 2010 when an officer was speaking about what to look for as possible signs of abuse resulted in the VC going to her guidance counsellor and reporting the matter.
When examined by a doctor at Peebles Hospital it was discovered the VC’s hymen was ruptured.
In light of this, Parris was cautioned on suspicion of rape and indecent assault on May 12, 2010 and was officially arrested and charged the following day for the three offences.
Ironically, the Dominican national is married with three children – all girls. He resides in Carrot Bay and stated his occupation to be an auto body mechanic.
Parris’ trial began in the High Court (HC) criminal assizes in October 2010.
He was denied bail and remanded into custody as he has no ties to the Territory and was considered a flight risk.
The case resumed in the High Court on Monday with Senior Crown Counsel Christlyn Benjamin representing the Crown and attorney Patrick Thompson representing the defendant.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Comments for this story are closed on the order of the judge presiding over the case in the BVI.