WESTERN BUREAU – Richard McFarlane, 32, a constable who has been in the force for more than 15 years, is facing a rape charge in addition to one charge of carnal abuse that was laid against him late last year.

He will remain behind bars, at least until next Monday, when a determination will be made on whether he will be offered bail.

McFarlane, a resident of Hampton, St James made bail in the sum of some $80,000 on Tuesday, when he answered to the carnal abuse charge. But when the rape case was mentioned in court Thursday , RM Paulette Williams indicated she needed time to peruse the case file before deciding whether to offer the lawman bail.

The offences for which McFarlane stands accused were allegedly committed against two 13-year-old girls in two separate incidents.

Allegations are that on June 30 last year, the first 13-year-old complainant was walking in Hampton when McFarlane approached her. The constable, whom the teen knew from before, then reportedly pushed her into his car and drove her to his home where he sexually assaulted her.

A report was subsequently made to the police and following a ruling by a Montego Bay clerk of court in November last year, McFarlane was arrested and charged with carnal abuse.

Then on December 3, McFarlane is alleged to have committed the second act.

At 5:00 pm on that day, another 13-year-old girl was reportedly on her way home when she encountered McFarlane in his car. He allegedly asked her for a kiss and she refused.

He later reportedly offered her a lift home and she accepted. But the lawman reportedly took her to his own house where he pushed her into a bedroom and sexually assaulted her. After the alleged incident, McFarlane drove the young teenager home and left.

On arrival at the house the girl informed her mother of the incident and McFarlane was charged with rape.