Leslie Powell, a man facing carnal abuse charges after it was discovered that a 15-year-old who had been reported missing was his live-in girlfriend, appeared before RM Desiree Alleyne in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

The allegations are that on January 26, the complainant ran away from home and reportedly went to live with Powell, who is 19.

On January 27, the complainant's mother reported her missing. After learning that the complainant had been reported missing, Powell reportedly accompanied her to the police station. The complainant reportedly told officers that she did not want to return to her mother's house because her mother does not love her and beats her for every thing.

She seh she a 16

It is reported that when Powell was made aware of the carnal abuse charge, he ran from the station and "escaped down the river". When he was caught and cautioned, he reportedly told police , "She seh she a 16."

This defence was also repeated when he appeared in court as his lawyer told RM Alleyne that Powell had been tricked by the complainant who told him that she was older.

He is to return to court on April 11.