Subsection six of section 46 in the Virgin Islands Evidence Act states, “A judge may order a trial for rape or any other sexual offence to be held in camera,” a legal term that means “in chambers,” or in private.
Senior Crown Counsel Valston Graham cited this law when he made an application before High Court Justice Albert Redhead at the start of a trial Monday that accuses Julian Christopher of indecent assault and rape.
Mr. Graham said airing details about alleged victims of sexual offences in a public domain “ought to be balanced and respected,” which is why legislators “in their wisdom” had included the subsection in the Evidence Act.
Mr. Redhead agreed.
“Because of the sensitive nature of this matter, and in the interest of justice … the application will be granted,” the justice said. “The media and all persons not associated with the matter will be excluded from the trial.”
Mr. Graham mentioned his appreciation for the role of the media in the criminal justice system, but he added that he plans to make similar applications in the future.