After a four-day trial, Charles Marks, 46, was found guilty in High Court last Thursday of unlawful sex with a girl under the age of 16.

Mr. Marks, a Guyana native represented by Stephen Daniels, had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The alleged victim testified that she would regularly visit the defendant’s East End apartment between May 1, 2009, and September 20, 2009. During that time, she was 14 years old.

On one occasion in the bedroom of Mr. Marks’ apartment, he asked if he could have sex with her and she agreed, she told the court.

“Whether or not she agreed to have sexual intercourse is of no consequence,” said Crown Counsel Jude Hanley during her opening statement. “The law makes it very clear – crystal clear – that a person under the age of 16 years cannot consent.”

Mr. Marks is to appear before Justice Albert Redhead for sentencing on June 29.

 

See the May 17, 2012 edition for full coverage.

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