Hewburn Boston, called ‘Boy,’ 24, who was accused of raping a four-year-old girl, was yesterday afternoon acquitted of the offence by a jury.
Following hours of deliberations, the 12-member panel returned its unanimous verdict, finding Boston not guilty of the charge of rape of a child under 16 years.
It had been alleged that between September 1st, 2013 and July 31st, 2014, Boston sexually penetrated the child, who was between three and four years old.
Boston is reported to have been about 17 years old at the time.
The prosecution’s facts presented to the court were that the child had gone to use the washroom and upon exiting she was confronted by Boston, who told her, “Don’t tell nobody.”
The court had heard that the child responded by saying “alright” because she did not know what was meant by what had been said to her.
Thereafter, prosecutors said that Boston undressed himself and the child, then proceeded to rape her.
According to the facts, the former-accused had again instructed the child not to tell anyone, but after he left the room she complained to her grandmother and uncle, who were doing chores in the yard.
The matter was subsequently reported, investigated and Bos-ton was arrested and charged.
After the forewoman announced the verdict, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow informed the former-accused that he was free to go, but not before admonishing him to use his experience of having faced a trial, as a lesson learnt.
Noting that he was still young, the judge told Boston that while he would want his friends to know that he had been exonerated, he must use the opportunity to also impart upon them the knowledge of what sexual offences are and to share his experience of having been charged and placed before the court.
The judge expressed the hope that in sharing such an experience, persons would be more aware of such issues and would endeavour to stay out of trouble and always remain on the right side of the law.
Use this experience as a “teaching moment,” she urged a visibly relieved Boston.
In concluding, the judge said that being informed on sexual abuse issues and arresting the scourge cannot be for the police and courts only, but that communities have to also be involved.
The trial proceedings were held in-camera at the George-town Sexual Offences Court.
Boston was represented by attorney Rachel Bakker.
Meanwhile, the state’s case was led by Prosecutor Nafeeza Baig, in association with Sarah Martin.
