PNP caretaker charged with rape

The People's National Party (PNP) has pulled Tyrone Guthrie as its provisional councillor candidate for the Friendship Division in Westmoreland after he was charged with rape and abduction of a 16-year-old girl.

Guthrie, 45, was charged in relation to incidents that allegedly occurred in the parish on June 15. According to the Corporate Communications Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the girl had assisted Guthrie with his hair and was in the process of leaving when the politician prevented her from doing so and sexually assaulted her.

A report was made to the police and an investigation launched. Guthrie, accompanied by his attorney, turned himself in to the police on Monday. He was subsequently charged with forcible abduction, indecent assault, grievous sexual assault and rape. His court date is being finalised.

The PNP, in a statement yesterday, said Guthrie was axed as its provisional candidate as soon as the party was made aware of the allegations.

"The reports of Mr Guthrie's involvement in the abduction and rape of a 16-year-old girl are deeply troubling and unacceptable," Denise Daley, the PNP spokesperson on gender affairs, said.

"Our party stands firmly against any form of violence or sexual abuse, and will closely monitor the developments of this case to ensure justice is served. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and engaged in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society," Daley added.

The Friendship Division was one of five that broke from the PNP in the 2016 local government elections, when the division elected the Jamaica Labour Party's Kevin Murray as councillor.