Augustus Biyofa, a Guinean national who is standing trial before the Central River Region travelling Magistrate Amadou Baldeh for attempted rape, has opened his defence.

In his testimony, Mr Biyofa told the court that on the day in question he met the girl and her father where he gave the girl D5.00 in commemoration of St Mary's. He added that while in his house, a woman knocked on his door and said that she heard people saying, "You wanted to have an affair with the little girl."

He said when he stepped out of his comopound, he met a police officer who said he was going to see the girl. He further stated that he proceeded to the police station to explain himself. He said at the police station the girl, her parents and himself were invited for questioning, adding that a cautionary and voluntary statement was obtained from him and subsequently he was arrested and remanded at athe Janjangbureh Prison.

The case was adjourned until 9th September 2008.