A man, who was accused of raping a woman and robbing her at gunpoint over five years ago, was yesterday found innocent of both charges when his trial concluded before Justice Dawn Gregory-Barnes.
It was alleged that Steve Providence, on November 13, 2006, raped a woman and on the same day, being armed with a dangerous weapon, robbed the same individual of a gold ring, a silver ring and a gold and silver band.
Justice Gregory-Barnes, in summing up the case, stated that the victim had told the court that the accused, using a hand gun, rubbed her body and asked if she had a boyfriend. She told him yes and provided him with a name besides that of the father of her children. The man, in response, she said, told her that the person was a phantom. She denied this while Providence reportedly talked some more and took off her jewellery before engaging in sexual intercourse with her without her consent.
Providence, who was unrepresented, told the court that the case was one of mistaken identity, since he was not the person who carried out the crimes. He indicated that he was unaware of any rape or armed robbery, and added that the investigation was improperly conducted by police, arguing that the identification parade was rigged.
The man was freed after a two-hour deliberation by the 12-member jury. Representing the state in this matter were prosecutors Konyo Sandiford and Diana Kaulessar.
