Schoolgirl assaulted

When she slumped into an unconscious state, the driver drove to a house in the Fort George area.

The standard five schoolgirl later told police when she revived, she found herself naked on a bed inside a house whose walls were painted green. Also on the bed and naked, was the driver. The man began to rub himself on the child and attempted to have intercourse, but she squirmed and fought.

The child later told police that the man told her to open her mouth as he stood over her, but she refused and turning away, begged to be released. He then allowed her to get dressed and took her out of the house and into the car. He took the child to a nearby parlour, bought her some ice cream and then dropped her off at a location near her home.

The child told her mother of the ordeal and a report was made to the police. Officers took the child to District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr Mootoo who confirmed that no sexual penetration had taken place.

The case was then referred to the Child Protection Unit (CPU) and detective PC Green and other officers searched for the taxi driver who was detained on Tuesday.

The man is expected to be placed on an Identification Parade, following which he faces a number of criminal charges. CPU officers yesterday advised parents to teach their children, from an early age, about the dangers of accepting food items, snacks, drinks and toys from strangers.

They added that where possible, students should travel in groups and again if possible, utilize licensed school bus drivers.

Police said that this is the second incident this year in which a schoolgirl has been sexually assaulted by a taxi driver in West Trinidad.