An executive at Jamaica’s National Commercial Bank has been hit with rape charges. Dane Nicolson is accused of sexually assaulting a female employee. The charges against him include six counts of rape and two counts of grievous sexual assault.
Nicholson is employed as the head of National Commercial Bank’s fraud prevention division. He secured the services of attorney Peter Champagnie, K.C., to represent him in court as he fights the charges.
The case has drawn public attention and criticism, but Nicholson’s attorney has come forward to address the public and speculation. On Friday, Champagnie emphasised that the matter should be judged in a courtroom, not on social media or in the press. “That is to say restricted in terms of public information and discourse before their final determination,” he told the Jamaica Gleaner.
According to the attorney, while freedom of information is important, the presumption of innocence must remain intact. “The presumption of innocence is sacrosanct,” he said, stressing that Nicholson’s right to have his case ventilated fairly in court is essential.
Champagnie also highlighted the impact of widespread reporting, including the release of Nicholson’s name and photograph. “The privacy of an alleged complainant is of no greater importance than the privacy of an accused presumed to be innocent,” he said.
He warned that public speculation can create prejudice and interfere with the judicial process. “Our courts must be allowed to function unimpeded by any prejudice which is generated by public spectacle in these circumstances,” he added.
Nicholson appeared in court on September 16 and was granted bail of $1.2 million. He is scheduled to return to court on November 24.
The attorney described the case as a reminder of why sensitive matters are often conducted “strictly in camera”, meaning behind closed doors, to ensure fairness for both the accused and the alleged victim.