A man yesterday walked out of the High Court a free man after a jury found him not guilty of having carnal knowledge of a 14-year-old girl.
Andrew Bess was all smiles when the 12-member jury announced its verdict. His relieved relatives embraced him with hugs as they expressed gratitude to God for the outcome of the case.
“Mr. Bess, the jury has found you not guilty and you are free to go,” Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry told the former accused.
The charge against Bess was that between August 4th and August 5th, 2008, he had carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 15.
He was found not guilty by a majority of 11 to 1.
The jurors returned their verdict after about two hours of deliberation, during which time they sought further directions from the trial judge.
Representing Bess was attorney-at-law Kevon Bess. Meanwhile, the state’s case was presented by prosecutor Stacy Goodings.
The trial was held in-camera at the High Court in Georgetown.
