Magistrate Tejnarine Ramroop granted a man who was charged with rape his pre-trial freedom in the sum of $175,000 following strong arguments by his lawyer at the Fort Wellington Court on Thursday.

Reports are that on Sunday May 3 at Bath Settlement, West Berbice 36-year-old Joshua Joseph of Experiment Bath reportedly raped a 24-year-old female. He was not required to plead to the indictable offence.

Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Hatty Anthony opposed on the grounds of the nature and gravity of the offence.

In response, attorney-at-law, Joel Persid Edmond told the magistrate that the prosecutor had not established enough grounds for his client to be denied bail.

Edmond said Joseph is married with three children and hails from a strong Christian background and that his father is a renowned pastor. He argued that from the instructions of his client who attends church regularly, the incident “seems to be a set up” and that it is a family affair.

He said “as it stands the offence is bailable. It is a mere allegation. There is a presumption of innocence.”

Further he said that the prosecutor should have established that his client is a flight risk or that there is the likelihood that he would tamper with witnesses or commit similar offence. The lawyer also informed the court that that was his client’s first appearance in any court.

After listening to the arguments Magistrate Ramroop granted bail and ordered Joseph to return to court on May 21.