Trial begins of accused in rape of girl, 13

The trial of 39-year-old Andre Hetsberger, who is accused of raping a 13-year-old girl, will commence tomorrow morning before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member jury at the High Court in Georgetown.

The jury was empanelled yesterday morning to hear the case

The allegation against Hetsberger is that on October 17, 2014, at Georgetown, he sexually penetrated the child.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The state’s case will be presented by prosecutors Michael Shahoud and Siand Dhurjon who will be calling about nine witnesses to the stand. Hetsberger, meanwhile, is unrepresented by counsel.

The proceedings will be held in-camera.