By Earyel Bowleg

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE bail application of a man accused of rape was adjourned on Friday after concerns were raised about procedure and legal representation.

Akeem Brooks appeared before Justice Dale Fitzpatrick charged with having sex with a 19-year-old woman without her consent on February 28, 2020.

Prosecutors argued that Mr Brooks, who appeared without a lawyer, had previously failed to comply with bail conditions.

Justice Fitzpatrick said the application was supported only by a signed form, rather than an affidavit, as is standard practice. He questioned how the court could rely on such a document in the absence of sworn evidence.

He also expressed concern about the case’s timeline, noting pre-trial hearings are set for May, with trial expected the following month. He said if Mr Brooks waits for counsel until the end of May, that lawyer may not be prepared for trial.

Mr Brooks denied the prosecution had valid grounds to oppose bail. He told the court family problems had caused him to miss earlier appearances.

“I got kick out. I had nowhere to go. I started sleeping in abandoned buildings. I started sleeping by the beach. I started sleeping by the hospital,” he said.

He added he had attended court regularly for three years and continued to do so until October 2024, when personal issues triggered an emotional breakdown.

Mr Brooks told the court he has no reason to abscond, stressing he has only one hand. He also said he has never worn an ankle monitor and has a 16-year-old son to support.

“I need to be out there trying to help them,” he said. “Me being in here waiting on a court date, it’s too far to wait on that for next year. I still can be doing something in my life. I have a family I can take care of

Justice Fitzpatrick acknowledged the difficulties Mr Brooks faced but highlighted his repeated absences from court, noting it took sureties and an off-duty policeman months to locate him. He said personal circumstances did not excuse failing to appear.

The judge ordered a lawyer be appointed to represent Mr Brooks and adjourned the bail application to October 9.