A man who was charged almost two years after it is alleged that he raped his 12-year-old g*o*dchild is now before the court trying to prove his innocence.

The accused, who through his lawyer indicated that he has only shown the love of a parent towards the child, is of a Kingston 11 address. He is charged with rape.

Allegations are that the now 12-year-old child was raped in August 2008 and the matter reported in February of this year. The allegations also indicated that the child was threatened by the accused who said he would kill her if she mentioned the incident.

In the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court last week, the accused's lawyer told the court that his client denied the charges and was also ignorant to the allegations.

The lawyer also mentioned that he found it strange that the child would report the matter almost two years after the incident. The lawyer speculated that the allegations were connected to the fact that the complainant's mother and the accused man once had a short-lived relationship.

Resident Magistrate Georgianna Fraser scoffed at the lawyer's speculation indicating that the mother's relationship with the accused had nothing to do with the allegations.

RM Fraser added that the child could have been frightened by the accused man's threat.

The accused was granted $500,000 bail with one or two sureties. He is to report to the Hunts Bay Police Station everyday. He was sternly warned not to communicate with the complainant. He is to return to court on May 24.