A 24-year-old man walked out the Sexual Offences Court yesterday afternoon a free man, after a jury returned a verdict of not guilty of raping a thirteen-year-old girl back in 2019.
A visibly relieved Cliff David was told by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow that he was free to go but not before she admonished him to use his experience of having gone through a trial to ensure that he never finds himself before a court again.
The Judge also urged David to share his experience to educate his peers.
Addressing defence attorney Teriq Mohamed, the judge also implored him to continue to guide and counsel his client even though the trial has ended.
Meanwhile, to the prosecution, the Judge underscored the need for continued support in whatever way is required.
The charge against David had been that on March 15, 2019, he raped the teen by penetrating her with his finger.
The state’s case was led by Prosecutor Latifah Elliot.
The trial proceedings were held in-camera at the Sexual Offences Court of the Georgetown High Court.
