A man who was accused of breaking into a woman’s home and raping her four years ago at Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara was set free on Tuesday after a High Court jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty.
Michael Marks called “Buggy” was on trial before Justice Claudette La Bennett for raping a female acquaintance in April 2003.
During the short trial in which only four witnesses testified, the virtual complainant related to the jury how she had awakened on the night in question to find Marks on top of her. She said he managed to cover her mouth and went on to rape her.
The woman said she had known him for sometime prior to the incident. The jury also heard that after committing the act the accused attempted to flee but was confronted by several persons in the area who inflicted a beating on him. He was later handed over to the police.
The prosecution also led evidence in court which revealed that two louvre windows were missing from the woman’s home and mud footprints were inside the home leading from the window.
Marks, who was unrepresented, went into the witness box and testified that he had a relationship with the woman.
I hope carefjul note is taken of this case. It is obvious from the verdict, that this woman was trying to have this man jailed. The court should not be lenient as the time and precious resources have been wasted over a four year period.
Please note, I am in favour of the strictest penalties for crimes of this nature, however in this case where the judicial system was taken for a ride, the accuser should be severely punished.