DPP Misses Deadline, Elrington’s Rape Case Delayed

Another delay has stalled the high‑profile rape case against attorney Orson Elrington. The court was expecting a key filing from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions at midday today, but that deadline came and went. Justice Nigel Pilgrim had ordered the DPP to provide a statement from the virtual complainant so he could decide whether the trial should be held behind closed doors. But this morning, just after nine, DPP Cheryl‑Lyn Vidal told the court that the complainant wasn’t in a condition to give that statement, and Human Services is now stepping in to assist. With that, the prosecution asked for more time, and Justice Pilgrim agreed, pushing the matter to March third. His ruling, which was expected Friday morning, has also been pushed to March fourth. The substantive hearing will follow right after, with the crown set to present its case on March fourth, tenth, and eleventh. Attorney Alifa Elrington, who represents the accused, says today’s delay is frustrating, especially as arguments continue over whether the proceedings should remain open to the public. Here’s how the defense responded after court was adjourned today.

 

Wilfred Elrington SC, Attorney for the Defense

“Just another adjournment, nothing new.”

 

Shane Williams

“was the crown not able to present its…”

 

Wilfred Elrington

“Yeah, the crown had difficulty getting its submission in so this matter adjourned until the third. So nothing big, just procedural.”

 

Alifa Elrington, Attorney for the Defense

“I believe that there is always a disappointment when you cannot proceed with a trial, either which side. You came prepared to proceed with a trial and we cannot proceed with a trial. However, the decision has been made and we have to go by virtue of what the judge said so we wait and see what happens on Tuesday.”

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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