Dr. Jamil Minnis, the 43-year-old son of former Prime Minister of The Bahamas Dr. Hubert Minnis, has been released on bail after appearing in court on charges related to performing an abortion on a 15-year-old girl last month.
Emergency bail granted
Reports are that on Monday, a Supreme Court judge granted emergency bail to Dr. Jamil Minnis.
He stands accused, alongside the 15-year-old girl’s 48-year-old mother and 25-year-old sister, of various charges related to the abortion case.
Charges and allegations
The charges brought against the women include conspiracy to commit abortion and abortion.
In contrast, Dr. Minnis faces a single count of abortion. The alleged abortion took place at Dr. Minnis’ clinic on September 4, with the conspiracy occurring between September 3 and 4.
Awaiting trial in the Supreme Court
During their court appearance before Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville, none of the accused were required to enter pleas to the charges as they would face trial in the Supreme Court.
Demand for a speedy trial
Dr. Minnis’ attorney, Damian Gomez KC, urged for a speedy trial, emphasizing the potential impact of these allegations on his client’s professional reputation.
However, due to jurisdiction constraints, the Senior Magistrate remanded the accused to the Bahamas Department of Corrections.
Later, upon learning that they had applied for emergency bail, he directed the police to take them to the Central Police Station.
Bail granted and conditions imposed
In a closed bail hearing before Justice Gullimina Archer-Minns, each of the accused was granted bail in the amount of US$15,000.
As part of their bail conditions, they are required to sign in at a police station in their community once a week.
The trio is scheduled to return to court on December 1, where they will receive a voluntary bill of indictment. This step aims to fast-track their case to the Supreme Court.
Separate charges for alleged teen father
Meanwhile, Alonzo Pinder, the 25-year-old individual accused of impregnating the teenager, faced separate charges of unlawful sexual intercourse on September 11.
Prosecutors allege that the unlawful relations took place between June 1, 2023, and July 31, 2023.
On September 26, Justice Jeanine Weech-Gomez granted Pinder bail in the amount of US$9,500.
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