A RAPE trial was aborted at the Berbice Assizes after it was learnt that the accused succumbed, as a result of self-inflicted injuries.

Gavin Sammy Moonsammy was indicted with rape committed on a girl 13 years old. During the in-camera trial, the accused had pleaded not guilty to the indictment.

However, following the testimonies of the police and the alleged victim, the accused returned to his Port Mourant, Corentyne home where, it is suspected, he ingested a poisonous liquid.

His neighbour, Harrinarine Jurajan, went to his rescue and took him to the Port Mourant Hospital where he died, on Wednesday.

Consequently, Justice Simone Ramlall terminated the trial prematurely and discharged the jury.

Meanwhile, at the commencement of the February criminal session, 82 cases were listed for hearing of which 27 are sexual offences involving a family member with a child.

The list also includes the accused Omesh Persaud, who faces eight counts of having sexual activity with a child under 16 while Delroy Mitchell is expected to face three counts of rape of a child.