11 YO RAPED BY FAMILY MEMBER GIVES BIRTH

Twelve-year-old Alicia*, who was raped and left pregnant by her 52-year-old cousin, has given birth to a daughter she has named Tashay, while the man who raped her has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after a DNA test proved he is the father of her child.

Alicia’s story was first featured in The Sunday Gleaner in March and drew widespread outrage after members of the police force refused to arrest the accused man because his leg had been amputated shortly after the report was made.

At that time, Alicia’s mother claimed the little girl had been sexually exploited by her cousin and another man at 11 years old.

Caesarean section

According to our sources, Alicia gave birth last week to Tashay via a Caesarean section. Her cousin was found guilty in the Clarendon Circuit Court last Thursday after several previous court appearances. However, there has been no official word from the police or the court where the matter was tried in camera (without the public present).

Following the publication of Alicia’s story, the Police High Command launched an investigation into the conduct of the cops in the Clarendon-based police station where her case had been reported by relatives and other concerned individuals on several occasions.

The little girl was also taken out of the custody of her mother and placed in a home by the Child Development Agency (CDA).

Minister of Youth Lisa Hanna said after the story was first reported that at least one CDA employee was sent on leave pending the investigation.

Alicia remains in state care, where she has been receiving life skills training despite her initial claims that she was prepared to deal with a baby.

She is likely to be enrolled in one of the centres for pregnant teens come September, to prepare her for her new role as a mother and to continue her education.

* Name changed to protect the teenager.