FORMER policeman Shawn Edinboro, called ‘Christopher’, who appeared at the High Court yesterday charged with having committed a sex act on a child, was freed after the alleged victim refused to give evidence against him.

It is understood that the girl had told the authorities that the cop was her boyfriend.

The Panel Four jury had been empanelled on the previous day, and its members were ready to proceed with the trial when the Prosecutrix, Ms. Mercedes Thompson, indicated to Justice Rishi Persaud that the prosecution was not in a position to offer any evidence against the accused. Therefore, Justice Rishi Persaud had no alternative other than to ask the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty in favour of the accused.

In discharging the accused, Justice Rishi Persaud told him that to some extent justice had been done. However, the freed accused has another charge hanging over his head, and was not allowed to go home. Instead, Prison Service authorities took him back to the prison, where he is awaiting the outcome of the other charge.

The Panel Four jurors attending Justice Rishi Persaud’s court were asked to return to court on Tuesday, July 15, at 13.30hrs for possible selection in another matter.

(By George Barclay)