A 22-YEAR-OLD youth who was charged with raping a 13-year-old girl four years ago was freed on Monday.When the charge was read to him, he had pleaded not guilty, and was told that 12 jurors in court would be selected to try his case.

The accused, Chris, was unrepresented by counsel as he awaited the outcome.
The first witness to be called was the victim, who related her name to the prosecution. But apart from admitting that she was the one responsible for the report of rape that was engaging the court, the victim declared that she does not wish to pursue the case, and would not be leading any evidence against the accused.

As a consequence, the prosecution was unable to lead further evidence in the matter.

The jury being put in charge of the accused, it was the judge’s duty to direct the jury to return a verdict of not guilty in favour of the accused.

Following the jury’s verdict of not guilty, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow advised the accused to walk the straight and narrow path, since he might not be so lucky again.

Before the matter was decided, the victim had told the judge that no one had told her what to say, nor did anyone pay her. She said she was concerned with burying the past and looking forward to the future.