ALLEGED sexual offender Jagdeo Deodat was spared a jury trial after the virtual complainant testified that she is now happily married, and is the mother of a nine-month-old boy.The 45-year-old fisherman of Cromarty Farm, Corentyne, in East Berbice/Region 6, faced two counts of rape, wherein it was alleged that during the period January 1 to December 31, 2004, he had sexually violated a female while she was only eight years old; and that he had engaging in penetrative sex of the child when she was just 13 years old, this latter act having been committed between January 1 and December 31, 2009.

The complainant, a petite woman now aged 19 and expecting her second child shortly, told Justice Brassington Reynolds and the mixed jury that she has been happily married for now 18 months.

Accordingly, she has submitted a statement to Corporal Dawn Chesney at the Police Outpost at the Berbice High Court indicating that she does not wish to give evidence against the accused, who is personally known to her.

“I have moved on with my life; I am married and have a child. No one forced me; I was not pressured in any way. My husband agreed that I take this decision,” she declared.

Consequently, the Assistant Director of Public Prosecution, Ms Judith Mursaline, informed the court of the state’s wish not to offer evidence in the matter.

Prior to directing the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty, Justice Reynolds told the witness, “I wish that you continue to enjoy a happy life; I wish you get a boy.”

Turning to the man in the dock, the judge asked whether he had anything to say, to which he replied, “Thank you.”

“Mr. Deodat,” remarked Justice Reynolds, “the jury, following my direction, has returned a formal verdict of not guilty. You are free to go; you are excused.”