Trial postponed in man’s rape case

Manama

The High Criminal Court yesterday adjourned the trial of a 46-year-old Bahraini man accused of raping a mentally impaired man until October 4 for review.

The accused was also ordered to remain in police custody. The defendant is said to have sexually assaulted the 32-year-old alleged victim, also a Bahraini, in the restroom of King Faisal Corniche after a night out. The victim told prosecutors that he had met the defendant in Manama after collecting money from the Zaka Fund.

"We went to the bar and we drank beer there before heading to King Faisal Corniche. We tried to sleep on the grass of the corniche, but a security guard denied us. Therefore we headed to the restroom and he (the defendant) told me to drop my pant. He then took my money and a copy of my CPR and fled," the victim said.

The defendant's alleged crime came to light after the 32-year-old went to police requesting transportation. He told them all what had happened when they asked him how he had reached Manama.

Police allowed the victim then to speak with his father, who later informed prosecutors that his son was suffering from a mental illness and his intellectual performance is way behind his chronological age. The defendant has been also charged with robbery.