RAPE accused Colin Mack was yesterday freed of the indictments for rape, abduction with intent of carnally knowing, and assault by the findings of a mixed jury, which took more than four hours to record their unanimous verdicts.

Presiding Justice Navindra Singh discharged the jury, except those of the said panel who were also empanelled to sit in the Neesa Gopaul murder case, which begins today at the Demerara Assizes.

Before their verdicts of not guilty were returned, the jurors had, after 2 hours in retirement, returned to the jury room for further direction on a point of law.

When the judge asked what was the point for which they sought clarification, the jury foreman declared that they wanted to hear the girl further. The judge declared that that was not a question of law, but after further explanation about what was worrying them, the judge addressed them on the issue, and directed that they return to the jury room to further consider their verdict.

They did so, but returned later with their unanimous verdicts of not guilty of Rape, Abduction and Assault.
The accused, after being discharged by the judge, said “Thank you” to him; but the judge told him: “Don’t thank me, thank the jurors.”
The accused then hurried away from the dock, accompanied by some spectators who were present during the proceedings.