WESTERN BUREAU — Doyle Anthony Virgo, 21, of Flamstead Gardens in St James, who is accused of raping a 14-year-old girl after calling her from inside a church, was denied bail when he appeared before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate’s Court Monday.

It is alleged that on May 27, the 14 year-old girl was at the Flamstead Gardens Seventh day Adventist Church when Virgo, who she knew, called her outside.

The court was told that after she went outside, Virgo allegedly held her at knife-point and took her to a nearby house where he and six other young men raped her.

It is alleged that they then took the girl to the Vaughn’s Field Primary School, in a car driven by the accused man, and there they again took turns raping her.

The 14 year-old later made a report to her brother-in-law and a cousin who in turn told her parents.

In court Monday, Virgo’s attorney, Clive Mullings cast aspersions on the girl’s character and told the court that his client was a good community member.

“We are anxious (to proceed), your honour, because this young lady has been known to say things which when tested have been found to be false…,” Mullings told the court.

At the same time he said his 21 year-old client and his family were well-known churchgoers in their community and that were he (Virgo) granted bail, he would turn up for court.

“He has had no problem with the community. He has had no problem with the law. I am sure that if granted bail he will turn up for court,” the attorney said.

Resident Magistrate Valerie Stephens, however, refused to grant the Flamstead Gardens resident bail.

“Mr Mullings, at this time I cannot offer bail. I am not comfortable with granting bail at this time,” the RM said, adding that he could renew his bail application when the case was brought back before the court next Tuesday, July 2.