King's Counsel Peter Champagnie - file photo
King's Counsel Peter Champagnie has expressed concerns about the publication of the case against his client, National Commercial Bank (NCB) executive Dane Nicholson, who is facing rape charges.
Mr. Nicholson, who is the head of NCB's Fraud Prevention Division, has been charged with six counts of rape and two counts of grievous sexual assault.
Nicholson was released on bail in the amount of $1.2 million when he appeared in court in September 16.
He is scheduled to return to court on November 24.
But Mr. Champagne has cautioned that the right of an accused a person to have their case ventilated in a court of law and not the court of public opinion must be respected.
In an interview with The Gleaner, the senior attorney said the case is a timely reminder of why certain matters are strictly in-camera.
Mr. Champagne said he respects the ideals of freedom of information, but argued equally that the right of an accused person to have their day in court must be respected.
He said the presumption of innocence is sacrosanct, adding that Mr. Nicholson's case is exacerbated by the publication of his name, photograph and the particulars of his allegations.
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