Verulam step-father loses cool in court during cross-examination
The Verulam man accused of repeatedly raping his 11-year-old stepdaughter has had to be cautioned about his conduct in the witness stand.
The 45-year-old was being cross-examined yesterday.
When he entered the dock, the man appeared calm and collected.
This changed dramatically as senior state advocate, Cheryl Naidu began her cross-examination.
Judge Mohini Moodley was forced to intervene on three occasions where the accused lost his cool.
At some point, Advocate Naidu was questioning the man on allegations that he kept the girl out of school and forced her to stay home and do housework, an accusation he had denied.
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Naidu then played evidence in the form of a voice note which proved this allegation.
The man then lashed out telling the Judge that he’d had it with Advocate Naidu whom he had earlier accused of judging him and disrespecting him.
Judge Moodley then put her foot down and asked the accused to stop shouting and assured him, she was there to make sure his rights weren't trampled on.
