(CMR) Member of Parliament McKeeva Bush allegedly bit one of his victims, giving her a hickey, and grabbed the other victim while taunting her that her husband would be jealous, the court heard during the opening of the former premier's trial for indecent assault on Monday.
Bush was charged following an incident at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in 2022, where he allegedly indecently assaulted two government employees who were at a regional tourism conference.
The first victim was reportedly trying to pull away from an uncomfortable hug when he kissed her on the shoulder and said, “See your husband there; if he saw this, he wouldn’t like it.” The woman's husband was said to be meters away.
During the opening on Monday, the prosecution said it was a simple case, with much of the incident caught on CCTV; however, there was no audio.
Charles Miskin, KC, told the jurors, five women, and two men, that it was the welcome reception with heads of state, ministers, government officials, and guests from several countries, an event where everyone was supposed to be on their best behavior; however, Bush was not.
The court heard that Bush appeared to have been drinking, but opinion varies on this. However, he was acting unlawfully and that’s what this trial is about, the prosecution stated.
Victim 1 was reportedly at the event working that night while Victim 2 was a journalist covering the event.
The prosecution said he assaulted them indecently (first 2 charges against him), and alternatively, he assaulted them.
Bush's behavior was described as “boorish, unwelcome, unlawful touching.” The prosecution pointed out that right-thinking people would conclude what he did was indecent.
The court also heard that diplomatic efforts were made to get Bush to leave the event but were not successful for an hour.
At that time, he gave Victim 2 a “love bite” or “hickey” on her arm. This was however, not caught on CCTV as it was done in a blind area. the victim showed that mark -shallow teeth impressions- to Victim 1 and made a sketch of it in her police statement
The prosecution stated that this type of behavior may not be uncommon, and some women may put up with it, but an influential man should know that a woman might take offense to it.
Miskin then walked the jury through what is in the prosecution bundle, including still photos from cameras, and noted how they are indexed.
Jurors are expected to do a site visit to the Ritz Carlton on Tuesday. The prosecution then intends to show camera footage and then call witnesses.
The jurors were told the witness statements were from when they were interviewed right after the event – this is how evidence is taken for sexual victims.
Bush is represented by Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC and Dennis Bradey.
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