Diamond resident Samuel Whaul was yesterday acquitted on charges of raping a woman with whom police had said he became acquainted through Facebook.
The charge against him was that on October 25th, 2018 at the Promenade Gardens, Georgetown, he sexually penetrated a 20-year-old woman without her consent.
Whaul had also been indicted on charges of sexual assault against the woman.
Following hours of deliberations yesterday afternoon, however, a jury unanimously acquitted Whaul on both counts.
Presiding judge, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow then informed a visibly relieved Whaul who had been on bail, that he was free to leave the courtroom.
The trial proceedings were held in-camera at the Sexual Offences Court.
According to the state’s case, following their Face-book acquaintance, Whaul and the virtual complainant decided to meet at the Quality Restaurant on the day in question. They then went to Demico for ice cream and then to the Promenade Gardens.
The case for the prosecution had been that it was while at the Gardens that the alleged sexual assault occurred.
The matter was later reported, and subsequent investigations led to Whaul being arrested and charged.
The former accused was represented by attorney Adrian Thompson.
Meanwhile, the state’s case was led by Prosecutor Sarah Martin in association with Nafeeza Baig.
