⚖️ McKeeva Bush's defense lawyer arrives in time for cross-examination

Jerome Lynch KC, an experienced criminal defense lawyer, was sworn in at the Cayman bar on Monday, just in time to cross-examine the woman who has accused his client, McKeeva Bush MP, of rape. Bush, who denies the allegations, is being prosecuted by Eloise Marshall KC. Prior to Lynch's arrival, Bush was facing a legal inequity without his own leading counsel. Lynch's presence ensures the trial proceeds on an even footing. The woman's video interview with the police, in which she detailed the alleged incident, was played to the jury ahead of her court appearance. 🎥

The woman was highly emotional during the two-hour interview, frequently breaking down in tears. She struggled to recall many details of the incident, including the exact year it took place and the location along the West Bay Road where she alleges Bush raped her. The prosecution claims the incident occurred in 2000, but the woman suggested it could have been 1999. She also detailed her confusion and fear during the alleged assault, and her difficulty in resisting due to Bush's size. The woman faced cross-examination by Lynch in court on Monday, but continued to struggle with her memory and understanding of the questions. 👩‍⚖️

The prosecution presented the case without any contemporaneous witnesses, stating that the woman did not tell anyone about the alleged assault until 2021. However, during her court appearance, the woman claimed that she had told people prior to 2021, but couldn't specify when. Lynch questioned the woman's recollection of the night, including the presence of political rivals at the bar and the details of her mother's whereabouts. The woman's mother allegedly accused her of lying when she was informed of the assault in 2021. The case continues. ⚖️