Three children in custody over video-recorded assault of girl

Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison, says three children have been taken into custody over the video-taped sexual assault of a girl.

The video, which shows the attack taking place in Zion in Trelawny, has been circulating on social media.

Harrison says the suspects were nabbed over the weekend and efforts are being made to sort out legal representation for the accused.

She explains that to avoid any conflict of interest, her office will not be appearing in court for the accused children.

She says the office will facilitate a process to get them legal representation.

Meanwhile, the Children’s Advocate says her office is also taking steps to offer relevant support to the victim.

The girl is believed to be between 14 and 16 years old.

Harrison says the date of the incident has not yet been determined. 

Yesterday, Opposition Spokesperson on Education, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith expressed outrage at the incident, saying there may be many other similar ones which haven't been reported.

The Senator also criticised Youth Minister, Lisa Hanna, for what she called the lack of response to the incident and for failing to articulate plans to address young people and violence.