National

New Date Set For North Abaco MP’s Rape Trial

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A new trial date has been set for the rape and assault trial of North Abaco Member of Parliament Kirk Cornish.

Published

6 months ago

May 8, 2024

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A new trial date has been set for the rape and assault trial of North Abaco Member of Parliament Kirk Cornish.

Cornish’s attorneys tell us the alleged victim will have to give her testimony a second time.

The trial will be held on October 21st, 2024.

It comes after the case ended in a mistrial last week. At the time, Justice Renae McKay said it had come to her attention that one of the nine jurors had a close connection with Opposition Leader Michael Pintard.

As a result, McKay discharged the jury.

On Wednesday, Cornish’s attorneys told reporters after his fixture hearing, that once a new jury is chosen and trial resumes his accuser will have to testify again.

Prosecutors allege that on March 25th, 2023, Cornish raped the woman at an Airbnb in new providence and on April 4th, 2023 at her home in Abaco.

He’s accused of assaulting the woman on January 20th, 2023, and on March 25th, 2023.

The first time MP is also accused of threatening to kill the woman on April 4th.

She claimed Cornish spat in her face after he raped her in March.

Cornish has denied the allegations at this trial. He is being represented by attorney Tai Pinder and Lilinique Murphy-Grant.