The last article in this column wrapped up our break-down of the offence of sexual activity with a child by abusing a position of trust. This week, we continue our examination of the Sexual Offences Act, Cap 8:03, Laws of Guyana (the SOA) by breaking down the offences of obstructing prosecutions and arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sexual offence.
Section 20 of the SOA provides that where a person is charged with any offence under the SOA, the offence of obstructing the prosecution will be committed where any person prevents a child from: a) giving statements to the police, b) giving evidence in any other way which would be admissible for the paper committal; c) or testifying in any criminal proceedings. This offence is a summary offence, meaning that if charged for this offence, an accused would be tried in a magistrates’ court.
