Banjul — One Sara Camara was yesterday arraigned before the special criminal court in Banjul,which is presided over by Justice Moses Richards,charged with two counts of rape and robbery.

According to the particulars of offence, the accused had carnal knowledge of an American Peace Corp volunteer without her consent on August 10, 2009 at the Fajara Beach in KSMD.The particulars further stated that the accused, with actual violence, robbed the said Peace Corps volunteer of her Nokia mobile phone on the said date and place.

The prosecution, led by Lawyer Major B Bojang, had its application for the matter to be held in camera was overruled by Justice Moses Richards. Narrating her ordeal, the alleged victim, who told the court that she had spent over one year working with women in the villages doing both business and domestic chores, said on the day of the incident at about 7.30pm, she had gone to the Fajara beach to meditate and as the sun was going down, she decided to leave.

She said she then heard footsteps behind her and when she turned, the accused person grabbed hold of her shoulders and began searching her pockets. The alleged victim said she screamed for help but to no avail. She told the court that the accused tore her shirt, removed her mobile phone from her pocket, and stamped on her head, removed her trousers and underpants and forcefully penetrated her. According to her, after the incident, the accused asked her to go.

She explained she had some bruises and went to the MRC and reported her ordeal, and the accused was eventually apprehended.The alleged victim also told the court that she was medically examined by a doctor. Hearing continues on November 16, 2009.