St James pastor on rape charge, co-accused offered bail

WESTERN BUREAU:
Jason Rose, the St James-based pastor charged with rape and attempting to pervert the course of justice has been offered bail.

His wife, Kehmi Rose, and the mother of the 15-year-old complainant, who are both charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice have also been granted bail.

The trio appeared in-camera in the St James Circuit Court today.

Rose was offered bail in the sum of $1.5 million, while the women were each offered bail in the sum of $500,000.

They are to return to court on December 8 when the case is expected to continue.

The conditions of their bail offer were not disclosed.

During the first day of the bail hearing on Tuesday, the court issued an order restricting discussions on the case to protect the complainant, who is currently said to be in state care.

It is alleged that on May 28 this year, the teenage complainant went to Pastor Rose's church to use the Internet for an education project.

She said while she was there, the pastor raped her.

His wife and the teen's mother later reportedly tried to convince the child to change the statement she gave to the police and the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offices and Child Abuse.

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