After finding out that a juror is likely to face criminal charges, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow on Monday had to abort the trial of Ravindra Maraj who had been arraigned before her at the Sexual Offences Court on two counts of raping a woman.
A jury was empaneled sometime back and the trial was ongoing when it was discovered that a member of the panel is likely to be facing criminal charges regarding an issue where that person works.
As a result, that juror had to be discharged and the trial aborted until a fresh jury is empaneled for recommencement of the trial.
Maraj is accused of having carnal knowledge of a woman without her consent—first on December 8th, 2008—and again; sometime between December 9th and 31st of the said year.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
He was being represented by defence attorney Bernard Da Silva.
The state’s case meanwhile, was being presented by Prosecutors Nafeeza Baig and Sarah Martin.
The trial proceedings were being held in-camera.
