On Tuesday, a judge issued an arrest warrant and the police released a wanted bulletin for Ronald Samuel, also known as Ronaldo, who was convicted in absentia of raping a 14-year-old girl in November 2021. The 27-year-old, from Green Hill, failed to appear for his trial before Justice Bryan Cottle at High Court No. 1 in Kingstown.
Despite the judge issuing an arrest warrant on the preceding Friday to ensure Samuel’s attendance for cross-examination, he remained absent. Samuel had been on bail, which the judge declined to revoke at the request of Senior Crown Counsel Richie Maitland, who argued for remand pending the trial’s outcome.
In Samuel’s absence, the judge summarized the case, which proceeded without defense representation. The jury deliberated for nearly two hours, returning unanimous guilty verdicts on charges of rape, unlawful sexual intercourse, indecent assault, cyberbullying, and harassment of the same minor.
Defendant’s Admission and Trial Proceedings
Samuel, who pleaded not guilty but admitted to sexual activities with the minor, recounted in court how he had known the girl for two years and saw her frequently in her school uniform. He claimed they went to his place on November 11, 2021, to iron her uniform, but the prosecution argued that he then sexually assaulted her.
He testified that he stopped the encounter when the girl appeared displeased, but admitted to fondling her breasts. Further, on November 18, 2021, he allegedly pulled her to a secluded area and fondled her again. Samuel initially admitted these actions in a police interview but recanted during the trial, claiming he had lied.
Evidence included a WhatsApp conversation extracted from the victim’s phone where Samuel discussed the sexual activities. He contended that his child’s mother had used his phone to communicate with the victim while he was in COVID-19 quarantine, inserting threatening voice notes into the chat.
Bail Revocation and Further Developments
Last Friday, when Samuel did not appear for his trial, the judge noted a document had been sent to the court clerk that morning, stating this was not how the court operates. Maitland requested Samuel’s bail be revoked and a warrant issued due to suspicious circumstances and the potential danger to the impressionable complainant. The judge revoked bail and issued the warrant, adjourning the trial to Monday, allowing Samuel time to organize his defense.
Samuel later cited gastroenteritis as the reason for his absence, presenting a medical certificate. The judge, unimpressed, emphasized the seriousness of court attendance, warning Samuel of severe consequences for non-compliance.
Despite the prosecutor’s call to continue bail revocation, the judge allowed Samuel to remain out of custody, stressing the need for trial preparedness. The judge warned Samuel that if he absconded following a guilty verdict, he faced imprisonment upon return due to existing extradition treaties.
Summary
Ronald Samuel, convicted in absentia for multiple charges including rape and cyberbullying of a minor, is now a fugitive following the issuance of an arrest warrant. The court proceedings highlighted inconsistencies in Samuel’s defense and the gravity of his crimes, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to justice even in the defendant’s absence.
