The Royal Gazette understands Jacquelyn Fubler was tried in Magistrates' Court under the direction of the former Director of Public Prosecutions, Khamisi Tokunbo.

When contactedyesterday, Mr. Tokunbo declined to comment on the case.

The child's family had appealed to various Government ministers - including former Health Minister Nelson Bascome - and to the Governor to have the case tried in Supreme Court due to its serious nature.

The maximum sentence in Magistrates' Court is 12 months, but in Supreme Court the offence can carry up to ten years if Fubler is found guilty with intent.

"The answer to why it was started in Magistrates' Court - that decision was made before I came here," said Mr. Rayney said.

Fubler will be sentenced in the Supreme Court as soon as a social inquiry report is presented.