…judge directs jury to return not-guilty verdict

JUSTICE Simone Morris-Ramlall on Wednesday directed a 12-member mixed jury to return a formal not-guilty verdict for Cevim Chapman, who was charged with the rape of a girl under the age of 16.

The judge’s directive resulted in Chapman being freed of the charge, which read that on November 10, 2010, he engaged in sexual penetration of the 10-year-old.
When the trial resumed on Wednesday, the prosecutors informed the court that witnesses in the matter could not be located; hence the judge’s directive to the jury to return the formal not-guilty verdict.

According to reports, Chapman is known to the victim and her family. On the day in question, Chapman allegedly visited the child’s home while she was alone and raped her.
The matter was reported to the police and he was arrested and charged.