DPP to Seek Transfer of Pastor’s ‘sex’ Case from St Elizabeth to Kingston

The Loop
January 12, 2017

http://www.loopjamaica.com/content/dpp-seek-transfer-pastor%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98sex%E2%80%99-case-st-elizabeth-kingston


The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Paula Llewellyn, has indicated that she will be seeking to have the sex case involving a pastor of the Moravian Church transferred from St Elizabeth to Kingston, to ensure fairness to all the parties involved.

There has been intense media spotlight on 64-year-old Rupert Clarke's arrest and prosecution for allegedly having sex with a minor, and Llewellyn said there is concern about whether this could prejudice the case, which will be tried by a jury.

As a result, her office is to apply to have the case transferred to Kingston in March, when the St Elizabeth Circuit Court opens.

It has been noted that a defence attorney could use arguments on the question of prejudice to have a case dismissed.

Additionally, the public is waiting with bated breath on the outcome of additional investigations being conducted by the police regarding reports of other sex crimes against teenagers which have allegedly been committed by the embattled clergyman. These reportedly include other members of the family of the 15-year-old girl whom he is charged with abusing.