JUSTICE Sandil Kissoon discharged the jury in a rape case after the virtual complainant stated that she was forced to withdraw the matter.

On trial was Vibert James called ‘Tarzan’ of West Coast, Berbice, who allegedly engaged in sexual penetration with a female without her consent on February 3, 2012.
Initially, the alleged victim had revealed that she did not wish to proceed with the matter, although she had made the allegation which caused James to be charged.
Further, the woman said that she made the decision of her own free will.
However, responding to questions by the judge, the complainant said while she did not accept any out-of- court settlement, she was forced to make the decision by the wife of the defendant.

Thereafter, the judge noted that he could not accept the evidence to dismiss the case, and, instead discharged the jury before ordering that the case be heard before another jury panel.