(CMR) Parliamentary Secretary of the Bahamas Government Kirk Cornish has been remanded after he was charged Wednesday with two counts of rape against a 35-year-old woman. He also faces two counts of assault and threats of death against the same woman.
Cornish, Member of Parliament for North Abaco, resigned as Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister; however, he has not resigned as MP.
The crimes allegedly took place in Coopers Town, Abaco, and Nassau, New Providence. Cornish was not required to plead to the allegations when he appeared in court on Wednesday.
The matter was adjourned to October 17, with attorney Owen Wells indicating that he wants an early trial date and would be seeking bail immediately for his client.
In a statement on Tuesday night, Prime Minister Davis assured the people of North Abaco that “efforts to build opportunities and relief in your communities are on the way and will face no interruptions.”
Davis indicated that an independent Director of Public Prosecutions determined that there was sufficient evidence to bring charges against Cornish.
“It is now up to our judicial system to resolve the outcome, so I will not be providing additional comment except to say that my prayers are extended to all who are suffering because of this matter,” Davis said.
Cornish said: “I am fully confident that the facts which emerge during the judicial process will prove my innocence.
“I look forward to ending this nightmare. The facts will show that this was a break up that was manipulated and exploited for political reasons – and nothing more,” he added.
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