Justice BS Roy yesterday ordered that the 13-year-old girl, who is involved in a controversial sexual relationship with city businessman, Reeaz Khan, be kept in 'protective custody' at the New Opportunity Corps for two weeks and receive professional counselling during that time.
Stabroek News understands that Social Worker/ Counsellor, Lisa Thompson, has undertaken the responsibility of counselling the child, at the court's request, and is expected to make an assessment and submit a report when the matter resumes on June 25 at the High Court.
The judge and 'friends of the court' (including senior female attorneys) visited a number of recommended foster homes with a view to sending the child to one of them but were dissatisfied with the security and other arrangements in place at those facilities hence yesterday's decision, according to information reaching this newspaper.
The court, meanwhile, has again cautioned the child to refrain from contacting, communicating with or being in the presence of Khan and this directive is also applicable to Khan in relation to the 13-year-old, Stabroek News further understands.
Additionally, Justice Roy has advised Sidney Scott, Director of the NOC attached to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, that the child must not to be treated as a prisoner during her stay at the institution.
Khan, who was released on $100,000 bail on Thursday after pleading not guilty to abduction under Section 89 Chapter 8:01 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, is expected to appear in the High Court next Monday in relation to contempt proceedings against him.
The businessman's relationship with the 13-year-old child and his attempts to seek the court's permission to marry her have sparked public outrage and accelerated government's efforts to amend the current legislation governing the age of consent in Guyana.