Man tried to rape friend of four years – court hears

A 51-year-old man who allegedly attempted to rape his female friend of four years was remanded to prison yesterday when he appeared before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

Brian Rankin of Lot 131 Regent Street, Lacytown pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him by Principal Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle.

It is alleged that on April 18 at Georgetown, Rankin attempted to have carnal knowledge of an adult female without her consent.

According to reports, the woman was visiting Rankin at his home when the attack occurred. Rankin told the court that he and the woman have been friends for four years.

The woman explained that she and Rankin were just friends and she was in the habit of visiting him. She told the court that she’s still in denial that he [Rankin] “tried something like that.”
Rankin was remanded to prison and the matter will continue on April 30 in Court Six.