October 19 Saturday 2002
Judge hears rape case against WI cricketer

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada: A 21-year-old Trinidadian cricketer, charged with raping a Grenadian woman, appeared at a preliminary hearing where a magistrate heard testimony during a closed session.

Dave Mohammed, who played for the West Indies last season, appeared on Thursday at the hearing, during which Resident Magistrate Patricia Mark heard testimony from three civilian witnesses and a police officer. Mohammed allegedly took the woman to a discotheque in Grenada to celebrate her birthday on June 29 and then allegedly raped her on a nearby beach. He maintains he is innocent and is free on Eastern Caribbean US$1,880 bail pending a possible trial.

Officials said Thursday's hearing, the second in the case, was required by law to be closed to all except Mohammed and the woman, relatives, close associates and lawyers. The hearing is to continue on Tuesday.